2009 fall

This class will include of survey of glass working techniques and history as well as develop the skills required to plan, articulate, and execute designs. We will explore the changing dialogues that exist between traditional craft mediums and contemporary art through the practice of manipulating glass, drawing, and writing. You will be expected to keep a sketchbook/journal that reflects your experiences in and out of the class in regard to your creative pursuits.

class schedule

Wednesday August 26

First class. Equipment operation/ studio procedures and protocol/ Safety/ Open forum

Monday August 31

Review of all safety procedures and hazardous materials. Introduction to studio protocol, etiquette, equipment operation. Scheduling of blow slots.

Wednesday Sept 2 - "getting into it"

We will engage the process of pulling glass out of the furnace (gathering). Perhaps the most important, yet often overlooked part of the process. Everyone will participate in gathering exercises. Class will end with a few short demonstrations of proper tool usage and punties.

Wednesday Sept 9 - your first 5 moves

How you begin the process of working with glass has much to do with the result you get. We’ll discuss planning out your work focusing on the first few steps of the process beyond the gather. We will discuss the basic shapes from which most forms are made and how to achieve them efficiently.

Monday Sept 14 - slide presentation [new date]

Will include images of contemporary uses of glass across disciplines from architecture, and design, to conceptual art. We will cover the utilitarian designs from antiquity, the traditions of Venice, the American Studio Glass Movement, and Contemporary Artists. First long term project assigned.

Wednesday Sept 16 - teamwork

The class will break down into teams to make the basic forms previously demonstrated on Monday. We will begin to discuss the process of adding “bits” and color to these forms.

Monday Sept 21 - garage

This class will focus on combining techniques and equipment available to us in order to execute more complex works. We will discuss how to navigate the “garage” to combine parts.

Wednesday Sept 23 - sculptural forms

The class will collaborate on several sculptural forms from to design to execution. We will focus on proper bit bringing, heating, teamwork, and process organization.

Monday Sept 28 - garage

This class will focus on combining techniques and equipment available to us in order to execute more complex works. We will discuss how to navigate the "garage" to combine parts.

Wednesday Sept 30 - sculpture

The class will collaborate on several sculptural forms from to design to execution. We will focus on proper bit bringing, heating, teamwork, and process organization.

Monday Oct 5 - sculpture

We will begin by reviewing all the work executed outside of class, and begin to problem solve some of the issues related to the assignment.

Assignment #1: The id, the ego, and the super-ego.

Due date: Nov 30.

Wednesday October 7 - adding heat

We'll talk about when and when not to use some of the torches available to us in teh studio. Proper use and safety will be covered.

Monday Oct 12 - pulling cane

Making cane.

Wednesday Oct 14 - cane vessel

Using the cane we made in the last class to make vessels and sculptures.

Monday Oct 19 - more cane

Fusing and pick-ups.

Tuesday+Wednesday Oct 20+21 - on-campus glass sale

Proceeds ~= $700.

Wednesday Oct 21

Cup-making workshop with Sadie or a plate-glass demo?

Sketchbooks are due for review.

Wednesday Oct 28 - museum buyer

Visit by Kpoene' Kofi-Bruce, the museum-store manager and buyer for the Museum of Craft and Folk Art. The class will be doing a Thanksgiving show there, with 50% of the sale price going to the store, and 25% each to the class and the artist.

Monday Nov 2 - museum store production (advanced)

Production days in support of the show at the Museum of Craft and Folk Art. We'll split into two groups - the 'advanced' people and the 'beginning' people. You are welcome to come to both sessions.

Wednesday Nov 4 - museum store production (beginning)

More production.

Monday Nov 9 - visiting artist

TBD.

Monday Nov 16 - museum store production (advanced)

More production.

Wednesday Nov 18 - museum store production (beginning)

More production.

Monday Nov 16 - museum store production (advanced)

More production.

Wednesday Nov 18 - museum store production (beginning)

More production.

Monday Nov 30 - goblet parts

Wednesday Dec 2 - bowls

Monday Dec 7 - TBD.

Wednesday Dev 9 - photograph work. Bring a piece or two for a professional-quality photograph.

Monday Dec 14 - last class. Studio clean-up and pack up for the winter break.

class policies

Materials fee: There is a $262 materials/ lab fee payable to the bursar's office and confirmed by the stamped form by 22 Sept 2009. failure to do so may result in forfeiture of blow slots.

Attendance: You get 2 unexcused absences during the semester. If you let me know what's going on I can excuse the absence and you won't get your third unexcused absence that will result in lowering your grade. Your main responsibility is to your blow slot and to your partner: failure to show up to and notify your partner of your absence will result in a loss of studio privileges. You should always give as much notice as possible if you can't make your blow slot.

Grade: Your grade will be determined by:

• 2 project critiques 40%
• sketchbook/journal 20%
• contribution to the class 35%
• attendance 5%