Glass Specialisation

Post by Vanessa Calingo, Indigo 2


While Crimson 2 is busy with their Raising, we have a relaxing Glass on Tuesdays. The specialisation class is taught by Jane Morrisey, who graduated with an Associate Diploma of Art (Glass) from the Australian National University. Jane is a wonderful teacher. She has been teaching us various glass techniques, and the safety procedures required when working with this amazing medium.

Glass Cutting Experiments (Before Fusing)















Glass is a versatile material. It has a lot of uses – from bottles to windows to lightings. It comes in a range of forms, colours, and sizes – rods or sheets, transparent or opaque. Our first project was to make brooches to show its versatility.

Fusing and Open Casting Samples

We learnt about the techniques of Fusing and Open Casting. We did tests on various types of glass to see which ones are compatible. It is better to use compatible glasses to prevent problems such as cracking. We made frit from float or bottle glass by using a hammer or mortar and pestle. We sculpted clay to make a refractory mould using a mixture of plaster, silica, and talc. We also used Bullseye Glass, which could be bought from the Tool Station or at the Australian Stained Glass Supplies in Leichhardt. To cut glass sheets, score a line using the oiled glass cutter then use the pliers to break it. To cut stringers and rods, use the cutting pliers. A dab of glue is applied for specific arrangements. We could also have metal inclusions in our work. For the finishing, we learnt the techniques of Polishing, Sandblasting, Drilling, and Engraving.



Pate de Verre Experiments (Before Firing)















Colour is all around us. It can influence our emotions, change our actions, and cause reactions. For the second project, we made a series of wearable or one wearable using a variation in a series to show how an emotional response from our own experience could be captured in colour.

Pate de Verre Bowls

We learnt Pate de Verre, which is the technique of applying a paste of finely ground glass, using tools such as paint brushes, spatulas or barbeque sticks, to the surface of a refractory mould then fired. This technique allows us to make hollow pieces, and apply colours in a precise manner. The end result is a fine and delicate glass with a granular texture. We could either make our own frits by crushing then sieving the glass or simply buy grinded ones, which contain no impurities. Frits are available in standard granulations but the fine grade works the best.




















Jane Doing a Demonstration on Flameworking
We are currently learning on how to do Flameworking using torches. We did experiments on making marbles using glass rods, and making vessels using tubes. Our next project is to make a neckpiece that conveys a certain message, and we are looking forward to it.

And don’t forget to check out our cutlery, made for Concept Realisation 2, exhibited outside the workshop!