Kiln Formed Glass
Kiln formed glass uses the extreme heat of a glass kiln to join and shape the glass, and includes the techniques of fusing, slumping and casting. I relish the opportunity to express textures and 3 dimensional form, utilising the addition of lighting and customised display methods to enhance the overall contemporary designs.
My research of themes and topics are the same as my stained glass a panels, however, the designing allows me to consider more sculptural outcomes. I like to consider how the piece will interact with its surroundings and how I can enhance its appearance by the use of integrated LED lighting, structural frameworks and the materiality of the inspirations.
Cast and Pate de Verre – David Bowie emerging from Aladdin Sane, set on a glass turntable and the 72 single ‘Changes’ Fused glass stacked onto glass column cores, lit by LED ribbons – all supported by a metal rod infra-structure secured to a resin covered concrete base. This is a totem inspired portrait of the lifetime of four family members. Fused, slumped and kiln carved glass – set on two locomotive bolts Fused and draped glass – Inspired by a child hood favourite pudding, this detail examples the brilliant coloured cast light that glass transmits Fused and kiln carved glass, set onto a brass hinge display stand – inspired by my exploration of the heavy industry and the flaking layering of paint on engine shed doors Fused and slumped glass set on copper pipe feet – inspired by the Apollo space program and a visit to the Johnston Space Centre and the many component parts that create a space vehicle. Cast glass bonded to a glass rod – A light bulb idea moment, the light being transmitted through the rod from LEDs set into the formed metal base. Cast glass bonded to layered glass sheets with acid etched lettering, set into an LED infinity mirror with LED lighting inside the brain. Fused glass displayed suspended off of a black granite tile with EL lighting wire backlighting. Inspired by the NASA space shuttle program and my tour of the STS Independence and irs ceramic heat shield tiling.