2010 fall

This site contains information for the Fall 2010 semester's class participants. Other pages (the links in the blue banner at the top) contain information about past semesters, our studio, and links to other glass resources.

blow-slot schedule

Also available here for adding to your own calendar, and as a web page.

Glass Blowing ART 547

A class from San Francisco State University College of Extended Learning.

Instructor: Nate Watson

Class dates: Aug 25-Dec 13, 2010, except for Sep 6, Nov 22, 24.

Class times: 6:30-9:30pm Mon+Wed

Studio closed: TBD

Glass sales: Oct 18-20. Sale inventory.

class schedule

Wed Aug 25. First class. Introductions, studio procedures and protocol, safety, equipment operation, discussion.

Mon Aug 30. Getting th kow the studio. Moving around with glass. Charging schedule. In-class gathering exercise.

Wed Sep 1. Demonstration of basic shapes and forms.

Wed Sep 8. Loosening the tight forms. Moving from rigid to soft shapes. (Focus on using heat to move the material).

Mon Sep 13. Marvering will be the focus as we discuss all aspects of preparing, and taking “bits” / in class project. Due in class: A written copy of the five goals generated in the first class.

Wed Sep 15. Due in Class: 10 sketches of the next 10 things you would like to make. This class will focus on problem solving more and setting up for more complex forms. Everyone will receive an individual assignment to be reviewed Sept. 22.

Mon Sep 20. Slide Talk (meet in class then move to FA office upstairs).

Wed Sep 22. Review assignments in class; discuss possible solutions.

Mon Sep 27. Considering the non-vessel.

Wed Sep 29. Continue investigating non-utilitarian applications.

Mon Oct 4. Bowls Bowls Bowls!

Wed Oct 6. Goblet parts (not goblets).

Mon Oct 11. Goblet parts cont’d.

Wed Oct 13. Assemblages (garage management).

Mon Oct 18 - Wed Oct 20: glass sale

Mon Oct 18. Introduction to cane and murini.

Wed Oct 20. Methods for using cane and murini.

Mon Oct 25. Cane and murini cont’d.

Wed Oct 27. Advanced bits and wraps/ examine proper set up, shape, and heat. An introduction to the threader.

Mon Nov 1. Solid working/alternative color application and surface design.

Wed Nov 3. Increasing scale while maintaining substance/ planning and teamwork.

Mon Nov 8. Group project in class.

Wed Nov 10. Big Clean up and clean out.

Thu Nov 11. CAMPUS CLOSED / VERTERANS DAY

Mon Nov 15. In-class production day. Final Project proposals due in class.

Wed Nov 17. In-class production day.

Mon Nov 22. Fall break (NO CLASS) - campus open.

Tue Nov 23. Fall break - campus open.

Wed Nov 24. Fall break (NO CLASS) - campus open

Thu Nov 25 – Fri Nov 26. Campus closed for Thanksgiving Resume normal schedule on Saturday.

Mon Nov 29. In-class exercise / the Multiples experiment.

Wed Dec 1. Multiples project cont’d.

Mon Dec 6. Problem solving day for individual questions.

Dec 7, 8, 9: glass sale

Wed Dec 8. Final studio clean up.

Mon Dec 13. Final critique.

class policies

Materials fee

There is a $262 materials/lab fee payable to the bursar's office and confirmed by a stamped form given to the instructor. 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:

  • 3 projects 60%
  • sketchbook 10%
  • contribution to the class 20%
  • attendance 10%