Material Laboratories: Kiln it
Material Laboratories is our new programmatic strand that will focus on specific material researches and medium specific practices through an intensified series of Masterclasses, workshops, lectures and open discussion.
The first in the series will begin in October 2022 where we will present Kiln it – a festival of glass and glass making. Kiln it will be a series of 3 masterclasses featuring a variety of glass making techniques, and they will run in tandem with 3 online lectures by internationally renowned glass artists.
Painted Glass workshop with Debbie Dawson
8 & 9 October | 10 – 5 each day | €200
This two day masterclass will explore experimental painting and sandblasting on float glass. Day one we will use oxide and enamel paints with a variety of mark making tools and implements to create a series of abstract images on the surface of the glass. The glass is then fired in a kiln overnight.
Day two we will explore the sandblasting process where the surface of the glass is abraded to create tonal and textural elements. We will use a variety of resists, stencils and other materials to achieve expressive, gestural marks on the glass.
No prior experience necessary but please bring some drawings/images to use as inspiration.
Pâte de Verre workshop with Sophie Longwill
15 & 16 October | 10 – 5 each day | €200
In this two day masterclass students will learn how to translate their ideas into paper-thin glass using methods inspired by the ancient technique of pâte de verre (glass paste). We will be experimenting with different tools and processes to add texture, pattern and surface details using finely ground glass powders to create unique and delicate artwork.
Students will learn:
- Mould making and casting
- Kiln schedules and programming for firing and slumping
- Mixing glass powders to create a unique palette of colours
- Powder printing using found objects and handmade stencils
- Casting small found objects in glass
- How to translate drawings and paintings into glass
- Creating texture and patterns
- How to create fusible elements such as stringers and wafers
Glass Casting workshop with Eva Reddy
22 & 23 October | 10 – 5 each day | €200
This two day workshop is designed to introduce participants to the process of glass casting. It is designed for beginners, although any skill level can be accommodated – whether one wants to brush up on established glass casting skills or use the workshop as a starting point for working with the beautiful material of glass.
The workshop will focus on the mould making process for open-face glass casts, and the programming and set up of the kiln, as well as health and safety practices for working with glass. Included in this workshop will be demonstrations of safely working with glass, the mould making process, clay sculpting, kiln set-up and clean up, and mould divestment.
Participants will work through a set project, articulating responses from concept, design to realisation.
This series of masterclasses is designed for practising artists only but they need not have had any experience of working with glass.
All participants will be contacted ahead of time by the facilitator with an info pack about the workshop, and what to bring with you for the weekend. Lunch will be provided both days by the NSF.