Glass Casting:

A unique quality of glass is that it can be transparent, translucent and/or opaque. Such qualities make it possible for glass to express infinite dimensions externally and internally through the light that travels through it and is captured within the material.

Glass casting is an ancient Chinese glass technique that can be dated back to the Warring State (BC 481–221). Today it is the primary glass art technique taught internationally and regionally and is one of the main glass production methods used by artists and designers. Glass casting is also an important technique in creative industries and thus is found in fine art, public art, spatial design and architectural contexts.

This course introduces the essential techniques of glass casting and related cold-working techniques such as grinding and polishing used in finishing the glass object. Students will explore the potential for cast glass artworks, and at the same time build a solid and sufficient knowledge base in glass casting skills and an appreciation for the rigorous attention to detail required for good craftsmanship.

This class will encourage the growth of aesthetic understanding, sensitivity to design challenges, and the development of personal creative language.

This course will allow students to develop glass casting craftsmanship through several specialised production techniques. Students will establish their personal creative language through a variety of projects. It will also expose students to the history and development of glass casting and will introduce numerous important examples of glass casting designs and relevant works of art.

Glass Kiln-forming:

The course is focused on a set of glass-art techniques related to glass kiln-forming and various related firing methods. This distinctive approach to glass production employs fusible colour glass sheets, frits and powders, as well as window glass and recycled glass. This course focuses on three kiln forming techniques: slumping, fusing, and pâte de verre.

Slumping (660–780°C) transfers a sheet of glass from 2D to 3D, and also from a sketch to an object by slumping it over a ceramic mould to sag in the kiln. The temperature for fusing (750–840°C) is higher than for slumping. Fusing is suitable for making jewellery objects, 2D works, and components for interior designs as well as creating panels for slumping projects.

Finally, pâte de verre (700–780°C) is a French term meaning "glass paste" and uses different sizes and colours of glass frits and powders mixed with CMC glue to apply over a mould, then fused together in a kiln. The finished works produced in this technique may be thin as a leaf, detailed as lace, vivid as a flower, or as complex as a large-scale work of art.

The three kiln forming techniques (fusing, slumping and pâte de verre) may be used individually or in conjunction with each other to realise aesthetic concepts and design intentions. Fundamental glass kiln-forming and cold-working techniques will also be taught to facilitate the creation and completion of glass works of art. Students will explore the potential and wide possibilities of kiln-forming techniques while building up the confidence and detail orientation required for accomplished craftsmanship. This course will provide students with excellent craft skills and will contribute to their development in visual arts.