ASSIGNMENT PART A
Read through with class, take notes in journal.
Exploring The Cultural Significance Of Glass Art
Glass art has a rich and diverse history that spans across civilizations and centuries. From the early glass art found in Mesopotamia and Egypt to the intricate stained glass windows of the Renaissance, this art form has evolved and adapted over time.
The History of Glass Art
The evolution of glass art can be traced back to ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt, where significant developments took place. The first glass objects were made by mixing sand, soda, and lime, and then heating the mixture in open molds. The inception of glass production in Mesopotamia and Egypt dates back to around 1500 BC. Initially, the production primarily manifested in the creation of small beads and jewelry. The early societies quickly grasped the potential of glass owing to its pliability and translucency. Objects crafted from glass, such as containers, beads, and ornamental pieces, held considerable value and served as exemplars of the artisans’ dexterity during that era.
The innovative techniques and refined craftsmanship evident in the glass art of Mesopotamia and Egypt served as the cornerstone for subsequent progress in the realm of glass artistry. The intricate designs and skilled artistry of these ancient civilizations persist as a wellspring of inspiration for contemporary glass artists worldwide.
Lampworking dates back to ancient times and was originally done in the 1st century B.C. in ancient Syria. It later spread to Asia and Africa. This type of glasswork became popular in Murano, Italy in the 14th century, and today it remains a trendy type of glasswork in this Italian city, known for its beautiful lampwork jewelry.
DISTANT BEADS These two cobalt-blue glass beads, found in 3,400-year-old graves in Denmark, came from ancient Egypt, probably via extensive European trade routes, according to new research. -https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ancient-egyptian-blue-glass-beads-reached-scandinavia
Subsequent advancements during the Roman Empire and the Renaissance further demonstrated the material’s evolution through technological progress and innovative artistic expressions. Glassblowing was perhaps invented in the 1st century BC, and featured heavily in Roman glass, which was highly developed with forms such as the cage cup for a luxury market.
Roman glass objects have been recovered across the Roman Empire in domestic, industrial and funerary contexts. Glass was used primarily for the production of vessels, although mosaic tiles and window glass were also produced. Roman glass production developed from Hellenistic technical traditions, initially concentrating on the production of intensely coloured cast glass vessels. During the Roman Empire, there was a significant advancement in glass art, playing a pivotal role in both everyday life and architectural embellishment. Glassmaking techniques progressed rapidly, leading to the development of intricate glass vessels, mosaics, and ornamental pieces.
The Romans became proficient in the art of glassblowing, which revolutionized the production process and facilitated the mass manufacturing of glassware. Consequently, glass became more economically viable and accessible to the general populace, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of residences and public edifices.
The incorporation of colored glass in windows not only imparted an element of sophistication but also improved the interior lighting, thereby creating a more inviting and well-lit living environment.
The Renaissance era saw the emergence of stained glass art as a prominent feature in religious and cultural edifices. This art form garnered high esteem for its remarkable beauty and its capacity to communicate narratives and religious doctrines through vibrant hues and intricate patterns. Artisans in the Renaissance period employed techniques like glass painting, leading, and kiln firing to produce these exquisite works of art.
Stained glass windows in churches and cathedrals not only served as ornamental elements but also functioned as a means of imparting biblical stories and the lives of saints to illiterate worshippers. The cultural significance of stained glass during the Renaissance era cannot be overstated, as it played a crucial role in transforming religious spaces into awe-inspiring sanctuaries. Glass from Murano, in the Venetian Lagoon, (also known as Venetian glass) is the result of hundreds of years of refinement and invention. Murano is still held as the birthplace of modern glass art.
The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in the glassmaking industry by introducing mass production techniques that transitioned it from a handcrafted art form to a widely accessible material. This transformation revolutionized the glass industry, facilitating faster and more efficient manufacturing processes.
The emergence of innovations such as glass blowing machines and automated cutting tools led to increased productivity and reduced costs. The capacity to produce glass in large quantities made it more economically feasible for a variety of applications. Consequently, the prevalence of windows, bottles, and decorative items in households and commercial establishments increased, thereby reshaping architectural design and consumer goods.
The Industrial Revolution’s influence on glass production set the groundwork for contemporary manufacturing practices in the glass industry and the extensive incorporation of glass in everyday life.
Glass Art in Architecture and Design
The utilization of glass art has had a profound impact on architecture and design, enriching the aesthetic appeal and functional aspects of various structures.
Architects and designers adeptly integrate glass art into their projects, resulting in striking visual enhancements and optimized natural light penetration in interior spaces. A prominent illustration of this integration can be observed in the Louvre Pyramid situated in Paris, where architect I.M. Pei’s strategic use of glass panels harmoniously merges the contemporary structure with the historical museum.
Similarly, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, conceived by Frank Gehry, underscores the transformative potential of glass art in challenging conventional architectural paradigms, characterized by its distinctive curvilinear forms enveloped in glistening titanium and glass panels. These architectural marvels exemplify the profound impact of glass art on modern architectural practices, seamlessly blending artistic expression with utilitarian functionality.
Within contemporary art movements, glass art has emerged as a dynamic medium that reflects themes of modernism and innovation.
Many artists have been drawn to the unique properties of glass, utilizing its transparency and capacity to manipulate light to produce striking visual effects.
An exemplary artist in this field is Dale Chihuly, renowned for his grandiose glass installations that blur the distinction between craft and fine art. His intricate chandeliers and organic forms challenge conventional perceptions of glass as a fragile material.
Another prominent figure is Lino Tagliapietra, celebrated for his exceptional glassblowing expertise and intricate designs that push the boundaries of what can be achieved with glass.
These artists and their creations serve as exemplars of the versatility and artistic potential of glass as a principal medium in contemporary art.
Dale Chihuly sculpture, Kew Gardens, London
The Future of Glass Art
The evolution of glass art is on the cusp of intriguing developments, propelled by advancements in smart glass technology and a strong emphasis on sustainability that are shaping the next era of artistic expression.
Anticipated progress in glass art is forecasted to revolutionize the industry through the fusion of technology and environmentally conscious practices. Artists and designers are actively exploring methods to integrate recycled glass materials into their artistic creations, thereby diminishing the ecological footprint while introducing distinctive textures and hues to their works. The imminent integration of 3D printing technology in glass art signifies the potential for intricate and elaborate designs to be meticulously crafted. These promising trends underscore a promising outlook for the field of glass art, where innovation and sustainability harmoniously intertwine.
Glass fusing is the joining together of pieces of glass at high temperature, usually in a kiln. You can do a tack (950 degrees), contour (1400 degrees) or a full fuse (1450 degrees) based on the temperature at which you fire the kiln.
ASSIGNMENT: From the perfection of traditional hand-blown glass skills to the development new precision techniques, today’s artists are showcasing the surprising versatility and captivating beauty of glass. Read this article about contemporary glass working at My Modern MetContemporary Glass. Select one artist to write about in your journal.
Do more research on that artist. Print a picture of their work to tape into your journal.
(You can send it to me for a color print).
Write a response including:
what inspires the artist
a physical description of the work and technique
what specifically you enjoy about the work
MORE CONTEMPORARY GLASS ARTIST OPTIONS:
LINO TAGLIAPIETRA has worked with glass for over 70 years. World-renowned and revered for his incredible manipulation of glass and innovative creations, the Maestro splits his time between Murano, Italy and Seattle, WA. -https://linotagliapietra.com/artist/biography/
Photo credit: Russell Johnson photographer, Lino Tagliapietra Inc
Jeffrey Sarmiento
Known for his creative practice exploring cultural identity and the graphic image in glass, Sarmiento embeds layers of information in his intricately constructed objects, sculptures, and public commissions. The cutting and pasting of printed glass involves kilnformed lenticular imagery and a graphic "swim" within the transparent medium. https://contempglass.org/artists/entry/jeffrey-sarmiento
Annie Cattrell
A Glasgow-born sculptor and artist, Cattrell often works with specialists in neuroscience, meteorology, engineering, psychiatry, and the history of science.
Dale Chilhuly
Dale Chihuly is an American glass artist and entrepreneur. He is best known in the field of blown glass, "moving it into the realm of large-scale sculpture"
ASSIGNMENT PART B
FUSED GLASS PROJECT 2024
CREATING ELEVATING AND INSPIRING SPACES THROUGH COLOR HARMONY
ASK: How can we create glass panels that will convey harmonious or inspiring color relationships through color relationships?
EXPLORE : What are recognized color relationships?
Play with Color
Explore a variety of color schemes in the following video:
Read this article : Beautiful Glass Art Color Schemes
PLAN
How can we design panels to be consistent with each other while illustrating different color relationships?
In your team - What feeling or emotion do we want to inspire or convey? What color scheme will communicate this mood?
Play with arrangements - glass "sketches"
Consider striations - thickness, contrasting edges, overlapping etc.
Write a summary of your plan including the theme or emotion that you are trying to invoke an how the chosen color scheme will enhance the theme. What kinds of lines / thickness/ fuse level will you utilize to enhance the theme?
c