Creative Glass - Sun 7 June - exciting day planned

Amber Hiscott - Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester


Sally Fawkes, from On The Edge exhibition

Two fantastic glass artists, one whole day learning about their lives and work...what could be better? Amber Hiscott, one of the UKs most successful public glass artists, and Sally Fawkes, who has an international reputation for her beautifully crafted cast work will be talking about and showing their work.
Two things you need do - 1. GO! and 2. book a place first, and soon. The details are below, I've put spaces in the contact email so that Arabella won't receive any spam - you obviously need to remove them.

SOUTH WEST REGIONAL GATHERING of GLASS ARTISTS / MAKERS
Members and non members of Contemporary Glass Society (CGS) welcome.

Sunday 7th June 2009 11am - 4.30pm
Creative Glass Guild, 16 Whitehouse Street, Bristol BS3 4AY
Talks from renowned artists AMBER HISCOTT (architectural glass) www.amberhiscott.com and SALLY FAWKES (cast glass) www.sallyfawkes.com showing images of their work in the morning.

Self generated workshops and discussions on relevant subjects in the afternoon: (technical surgery/ promotion + marketing / public art and commissions / exhibiting opportunities)

The day is about:
• being inspired
• meeting others of like mind or like occupation
• offering and receiving technical advice
• discovering resources in your area that you didn’t know were there.
• exploring opportunities for exhibiting work
• exploring public art opportunities
and what else YOU THINK it should include.

You do need to book a place.
Email: info @arabellamarshall .com Phone: 01803 863122

COST: £8 CGS members, £6 CGS student members
£12 non CGS members £8 non CGS student members

Bring simple lunch to share. Tea and coffee provided

Mollie Meager - weekend workshops.

Fancy a creative weekend of stained glass with one of the south west's most respected - and popular! - glass artists? Mollie Meager has arranged some weekend courses at her studio in the Forest of Dean. You too can acid etch on a rickety table in the open air! Seriously, the courses look fantastic, and everyone I know who's been on one has loved it and got a lot from it, both creatively and socially. The photos are from past course participants.
Details:
The courses last 3 days and include an evening meal on the previous evening. Also includes midday meals and tea and coffee. There is a B&B near by and self catering is also available. Price -£220
Dates:
Sat. 2nd - Mon. 4th May. Evg. meal - Fri.1st.
Fri.29th - Sun. 31st May. Evg. meal - Thurs. 28th
Fri. 24th - Sun. 26th July. Evg. meal - Thurs. 23rd.

Here's Mollie's website for more details:
http://www.molliemeager.co.uk/

Tony Bolland exhibition

Lindsay went to Devizes to see Tony Bolland's exhibition of stained glass, and kindly sent some images for the blog. There looked to be a wide selection of work, ranging from quite pedestrian leaded glass panels to some more subtle and varied exhibits.
I've concentrated on the more interesting ones, starting with this one that looks very much like a drawing. The composition is great, and the execution - the quality of the lines and the choice of stain for colour - is perfect.


The next photos show a series - from the painting through to glass, with a couple of close-ups of the work. It's always interesting to see the transformation from working drawing to glass - something is always lost, and hopefully(!) something else found in the process. I love the extra drama the glass brings in terms of the light/dark dynamic, but feel that a bit of the subtlety of the original design has been lost in translation.




Here's a close up of the green flashed glass that's been partially etched back and painted.


Again, a close up of the paint work, with some subtle acid-etching. It's pleasantly free and spontaneous.

Stained Glass exhibition in Wiltshire

'Scuse the geezers in the way of the stained glass panel, but it's the only photo of Tony's work I could find on the web. Tony Bolland is another ex-Queen's Road student, so beware - this could be your future... From what I can see, it looks really interesting, and worth a look. There's also a Patrick Reyntiens and an original John Piper drawing to check out. It's on until March 1st at the following address:

Address - Wiltshire Heritage Museum, 41 Long Street, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1NS, UK.
Telephone Number – 01380 727369
Fax Number – 01380 722150
Or E-mail us at wanhs@wiltshireheritage.org.uk

Usual Opening Times: Museum 10am - 5pm, Monday to Saturday and noon - 4pm on Sundays.

EXHIBITION: Wiltshire Sky and Light: a personal journey through stained glass

An exhibition by award-winning local stained glass artist Tony Bolland. The exhibition draws together examples and illustrations of virtually all stained glass techniques from earliest Medieval times to the cutting edge of contemporary architectural glass, all by one single glass artist.
This is the first one-man exhibition by Tony who has lived in Devizes for the past seven years. His work is diverse and the exhibition will contain examples of stained and architectural glass work, using both traditional archaic methods of leaded coloured glass and unique contemporary techniques. Subject-matter relates to carefully observed and experienced natural phenomena of light in its seasonal and daily variations, heavily influenced by the landscape of the Pewsey Vale. 

Tony took up professional studies in stained and architectural glass in 1997 as something of an antidote to a dynamic and challenging career at the cutting edge of architecture. He was awarded a Btech HNC Distinction in Architectural Glass at Queens Road School of Art and Design, Bristol, in 1999. Following a life working and living overseas he found the open skies, vast horizons and quiet repose he was seeking in the Vale of Pewsey, where he was undertaking a design commission for two friends. He now lives and works in a house facing the Green in Devizes, which is flooded all day with light from the east and west. Tony undertakes private commissions and many of the works in the exhibition will be for sale. Purchases can be taken away before the end of the exhibition by special arrangement, and the artist will be changing some of the works during the exhibition. The exhibition will also illustrate the process of design and how this is translated into stained glass. 

This exhibition has given us the opportunity to display our own stained glass window designed by John Piper and made by Patrick Reyntiens and the original cartoon painting by John Piper. 

The Exhibition is in the Museum’s Art Gallery from until 1 March 2009.

Gerhard Richter - Cologne Cathedral

Finished this August, this impressive stained glass window in Cologne Cathedral has been made from 11,500 four-inch 'pixels', cut from antique - or handmade - glass in a total of 72 different colours, and measures 110m2. Richter is an artist who works in many different media, and this window relates to his 1974 painting entitled '4096 Colours'. In the transition from painting to glass, Richter didn't use the original 4096 colours, as they would've been historically inaccurate or too pale, outshining those squares around them. Instead he chose a palette to echo the colours of the glass that would've been available in the 13th century.
Apparently the Archbishop of Cologne isn't happy with the window, preferring the more traditional figurative approach. The window seems to link the 21st century with the 13th very successfully, both in its' use of antique glass and with the archaic hues, but also in its' mosaic-like appearance. Medieval glass uses lots of little pieces of glass and is rich in colour and texture. I likes it, me.

Artisan mizmo ??!!

If you're thinking 'Artisan what?' or 'mizmo who?', then we're in the same boat... I found these photos in Flickr, and they were credited to Artisan mizmo, so I feel obliged to do the same.
The panels use very simple painted decorative techniques to great effect. If you want to add detail and pattern in addition to that which the lead itself makes, this is a really effective method.
All of the panels have had the paint applied all over - a matt - and then, when it's dry the paint has been scraped away with various implements to reveal the coloured glass beneath. Just like that wax crayon thing we used to do at school!
The red centre panel in the bottom one is red on yellow flashed glass - it's been freely etched at the top to reveal the yellow base layer.

Devon Guild exhibition poster

Here's the details of the Devon exhibition I mentioned last week. I've yet to see it - I had the luxury of letting someone else hang it for a change. Let me know what you think if you see it before I do!

Geeks unite!

It's not that I'm saying you're a geek - and you know who you are - but here's a select few of the glass panels inspired by, well, geeky subjects! For the beginners, you could do all of these except Spiderman - but what do you expect from a super hero?

Peter Hammond - latest masterpiece

This is the Clifton house before the installation of Peter's windows. A little bare and in need of an original Hammond, methinks.


'Ere they be on the grass, waiting to find their rightful home.


Magnificent. I like the way the pink and white strip is weaving it's way happily around the larger blue and yellow shapes. It brings music to mind. Apparently Peter's client was so happy with the result, he wants the remaining five windows done too. That's what we like to hear!

Glass summer courses - London

Just so's you know there is a glass world outside Queens Road... Don't tell me if you go to one of these though, instead of mine or Scott's!!!! Only joking - the Pate de Verre one looks particularly interesting if you want to learn something new.

It's that Mark Angus again

Another figure emerges from Mark's creative world... or should that be whirl?

Here's what he says about the newest member of his growing community...

Thank you for the positive feedback! I look forward to the flicker!! I attatch an image from a series of 30 I made, float glass, etched, completely silver stained, line painted 60 x 47 cm.. I like it a lot!!!

Talking of flickr, I've put lots of images from Mark's demonstration day up, including the fired pieces. I'll mail you the link as I can't seem to get them live on the blog.

Mark Angus - demos and lecture day

I've managed to arrange a visit from Mark Angus (who taught me at Queens Road!) on Saturday 5th April, 9.30-4.

He's going to show us how he works, what inspires him, and lots of top tips from his years as a glass artist. He'll also be giving us a slide lecture of his work. This is a really great opportunity to learn lots of new things.

It should cost between £20-30 (depending on numbers) which covers paying Mark and overtime for the porter Geoff for the afternoon - a complete snip.

Could you let me know if you're interested (those not in my class), by mailing me on info@millyfrances.com, so I can get an idea of numbers?

Thanks.

For sale - various glass and a grinder

If you need a grinder, there's a very clean one for sale for £35 ono. That's less than half price. I have it at college if anyone's interested.

Also, a selection of glass is available to buy. If interested, give Sue Davis a ring on 01275 849935 and she'll give you more idea of what she's got.

Kiln for Sale

Kiln for Sale

A Rare Happening - a kiln for sale.

It's a Paragon DTC 800, condition as new, for £900 ono.

It's not a flat bed but a front loader, and has a chamber size of 34 X 56cm.

Buyer to collect. (that's the catch!)

If you're interested, give Sue Davis a ring on 01275 849935

Peter Hammond's latest commission

Esteemed student Peter Hammond has just completed this commission for a house in Clifton. The brief was to create a window that didn't obscure the view yet provided some visual interest. Peter's done that perfectly with the small areas of colour set into the necessary structure of the surrounding glass. Oh, and he also built the frame and fixed it all in himself, so if you need a handy man...
The guy who lives in the flat upstairs was so taken with it, he's asked Peter to do about 100 windows for his flat - the sort of commission I work for months to get!

Mark Angus reappears...

... with a possible idea for a masterclass? What do we think?

Dear Milly,
These days I am spending most of my time glass painting, - I have come a long way in 8 years!! I attatch a sample - the second is a vase, I am painting these in numbers!!
I love it.

Just as I did last Easter, I shall again this coming Easter get a day teaching my glass painting technique at the Bath College. But it would be good for me to step again into QR if you would ever invite me.
In Bath I get 100 pounds which the students from all courses collect together, it is very little each!! Or maybe it was 120 I cannot remember. (We have the EUR here!)

My way now, (Excluding acid which I cannot demonstrate in Bath) is with black enamel, with oils, and transparent enamels , - one firing. Very free, very spontaneous.
I use silver stains a lot too, and I work on every type of glass, including 3D forms.
You can see more on www.markangus.com

So.
What about it!
Are you interested???

Greetings, Mark

Corning and big paperweights

As befitting the United States of Americal, here's The Biggest Paperweight in the Universe. All the trees and foliage were lampworked and then rolled up (technical term) in a great big blob (technical term) of glass by lots of burly blokes... It was a very beautiful thing. “Megaplanet” is a 107-pound orb with a kaleidoscope of landscapes and underwater scenes inside, and is the one thousandth paperweight in the paperweight collection at Corning. I declined to look at the other 999.


From heavy to delicate, and the wonders of lampworking... Thankfully this was in a glass case, away from my back pack.


Silvia Levenson is an Argentinian artist, who lives in Milan. The political instability she experienced plays out in her work.


Fancy an apple? These were rather enormous, very shiny and beautifully edible... for your most hated enemies only.

Glass sellers Prize and exhibition

The Glass Sellers Prize 2007 is an annual prize, which this year has been awarded to Richard Jackson for Triune IV, a courageous and dynamic sculpture in cast glass. Richard carves his sculptures with diamond saws - very dangerous, but the effects are spectacular. He's based in Stroud, and his website? http://www.richardjackson-glass.com


The Glass Sellers Prize for Engraving went to Katharine Coleman for her masterpiece, City Blocks Vase. Katherine's work has also been selected for the Side by Side exhibition I told you about in Bovey Tracey, and is exquisite. Katherine doesn't seem to have her own website, but you can see some of her work on: http://www.adriansassoon.com/glass/glassp3.asp?ArtistID=78


The Glass Sellers Student award was given to Ramon Beaskoetxea Sans for Bullfighting, a large installation and a powerful indictment of his country’s cruel sport. There's some of his work on his college graduation website: http://globalglassgradshow.com/artists/
 
A runners-up prize in the student category was awarded to Hang-Sheun Yeung for her charming, delicate Fish’s Tale.
 
The exhibition takes place through September to 19th October 2007 at The Glass Art Gallery, London, and includes an exciting array of works by all those shortlisted, as well as past winners. The work covers a broad range of techniques and styles and the majority of pieces on show are for sale.
 
Other exhibiting artists are: Scott Chaseling (highly commended), James Denison-Pender, Shelley Doolan, Carrie Fertig, June Kingsbury, Gayle Matthias (highly commended), Lesley Pyke, Marie Retpen, Steven Reveley, Bruno Romanelli, Peter Russell, Norma Sales, Tracey Sheppard, Nancy Sutcliffe, and Ruby Woo as well as 2006 Winners, June Kingsbury, Tracey Nicholls, Colin Reid and Jessica Townsend.

Corning Museum of Glass

I couldn't resist this - it was in the exhibition entitled 'Curiosities of Glassmaking' - full of fantastic exhibits such as glass made when lightening struck sand dunes etc. The two green vessels are – you’ll never guess – Fire Grenades. They’re blown glass from 17-18th century Europe and must’ve been hugely effective… not. They were filled with water and tossed into the fire. So now you know what to do next time there’s a bush fire.


This is a glass mosaic from the end of the nineteenth century. T'were a very beautiful thing.

Glass exhibition - Bovey Tracey

Here's an opportunity not to be missed - an international glass exhibition in Devon! It's been organised by the Contemporary Glass Society (CGS) - click on their link on the right of this page to find out more about them and about the glassy happenings in the south west over the next few weeks organised as their ten-year anniversary celebration.

The CGS is also organising a fab conference rather unimaginatively entitled 'Looking into Glass' at the end of this month. If you're interested I have the details at Queens Road, or you can find them on the CGS website too.