2013 spring
Welcome to the SFSU glass program web presence. This page describes the current semester. Other pages (the links in the blue banner at the top) contain information about past semesters, our studio, and links to other glass resources.
This course is for all levels. Emphasis is on the creation of sculptural artwork through explorations in molten glass. Technique and aesthetics will be taught. Students will have their own practice time outside of class. Course may be repeated for a total of 9 units.
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.
visiting artists this semester
- Feb 18,21: Luca Ratazzi (guest lecturer)
- Mar 11: Erik Eiserling
- Apr 3: Elin Christopherson
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 Jan 28 - Mar 27 2013, plus Apr. 3 - May 22.
Class times 6:30-9:30pm Mon+Wed
Studio closed (no blow slots) roughly Mar 28-Apr 2.
Glass sales: TBD. Sale inventory.
class schedule
Mon January 28 First class. Introductions: equipment operation, studio procedures and protocol, safety and cold-working demo.
Wed January 30: Lecture: Glass processes and applications. Assignment: For Monday bring in 3 images of objects that you find inspiring. Sketch 3 things that you would like to make in glass.
Monday February 4: In class exercise assignment: Bring in a box of materials that you think might be useful for 3d construction. (paper, cardboard, tape, toothpicks, clay, wood, nails, screws, sticks, twigs, rocks) whatever.
Wednesday February 6: Gathering 101. In class exercises and repetition. Attendance mandatory. Due on Monday Feb. 25:
The Replica: Create four clear objects using whatever methods you like. Two of the objects must be representative of a natural form and two objects must replicate something that is manufactured. You may not choose as your subject, something that exist in the world as glass. Consider the details carefully.
Monday February 11: Timing and Temperature. Tips for staying happy in the glass shop.
Wednesday February 13: 6 pm lecture at CCA San Francisco campus, Timkin hall: Nick Weinstein
Monday February 18: Luca Ratazzi guest lecturer
Wednesday February 20: Luca Ratazzi guest lecturer
Monday February 25: First Assignment Due: The Replica. Slides. Installation and Public works.
Wednesday February 27: Punties for every day of the week.
Monday March 4: Glass sculpting basics
Wednesday March 6: Glass sculpting cont’d
Monday March 11: Erik Eiserling: Visiting Artist
Wednesday March 13: Visiting Artist Review
Monday March 18: Introducing Color (bar, frit, powder, shards).
Wednesday March 20: Color Cont’d. Pulling and using cane.
Studio open for spring break
Monday March 25: no class (spring break).
Assignment for Feb. 8: 10 designs for utilitarian objects. You may sketch or collect images. Items need not be derived from a glass making context.
Wednesday March 27: no class (spring break).
Sunday March 31: Studio Clean up 5pm
Monday April 1: Campus closed Ceasar Chavez Day
Wednesday April 3: Elin Christopherson Visiting Artist
Monday April 8: assignment due in class: 10 utilitarian designs
Wednesday April 10: Utility bowls, jars, lids, and handles, and spouts.
Monday April 15: Dissecting the Goblet into useful parts.
Wednesday April 17: The Goblet Cont’d (proper cup making, stem design, and blown feet).
Taking the technique, but leaving the goblet behind.....
Monday April 22: Luca Rattazi: visiting artist
Wednesday April 24: Luca Rattazi: visiting artist
Monday April 29: Designing and problem solving sculptural designs. 1 page proposal for your final project due in class.
Wednesday May 1: Incalmo Vessels
Monday May 6: Multiple part sculpture making. (studio management)
Wednesday May 8: Showing and displaying work. How to properly finish a glass project.
Monday May 13: The most beautiful thing?
Wednesday May 15: final Critique
Sunday May 19: last blowing day. Barbeque at Mike's (TBD).
class policies
materials fee
There is a $298 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
3 missed classes lowers you one letter grade. The same will occur for each additional class missed. Your main responsibility is to your blow slot and to your partner, but missing class will compromise the cohesiveness of the class.
Let your partner know as soon as possible if you can't make your blow slot, and ask them how they want to handle this - some like to select an alternate partner themselves, some will want you to help them find one.
grading
- Participation = weekly crits + attendance 60%
- Midterm critique 20%
- Final critique 20%