Glass Art

The types and categories found in this art are essentially formed by "How it is made". The techniques and processes an artist uses to create contemporary art are often used when describing the artwork.
Many and multiple techniques are used to make glass. But sometimes the most common terms and definitions can be a bit confusing.

Take the term 'glassblowing' for example... Sometimes people think of 'glassblowing' as something that is done using long blowpipes with molten glass from a furnace. Other times they may refer to "flame works" as glass blowing.

Are they somewhat the same? Yes. Are they completely different? Yes.

How art glass is made
Almost all handmade works fall into one of three main categories or types of glass;

- Hot glass
- Warm glass
- Cold glass
Hot Glass
Artworks made from 'hot glass' include blown glass, solid sculpted glass, and cast glass.

Hot glassware is basically molten glass with a temperature of around 2000 degrees. This hot viscous glass can be used in glass blowing, sculpting and mold casting.

Works such as glass sculpture, hand-blown bowls, vases, cups and ornaments are usually made with hot glass from a kiln.

Cast glass or 'glass casting' is usually done by pouring the hot molten glass into a mold.

Hot glassblowing and casting.

Hot glass
Hot glass is a process where the glass is heated in a furnace or oven.

Common terms often used for kiln-made glass include 'collapsed glass', 'molten glass', 'kiln glass', 'kiln cast glass', 'bent glass', 'glass bending' and 'pate de verre' '.

- Collapse - Usually it involves heating flat plate or plate glass to a temperature between 1250° - 1400° degrees. This is just hot enough to make the glass bend or move with gravity. Generally, the glass is placed on a mold and shaped during the 'slumping' process.

- Fused Glass - This term is used when pieces of glass are heated hot enough to fuse together. The temperature required to 'fuse' glass is higher than that required to sink glass. Usually glass melting is done with a temperature between 1400° - 1600° degrees. Collapse and merge are often done together.
When casting kiln glass, hot molten glass can be poured into a mold in the kiln. Casting with molds in a furnace involves the use of broken glass or a powdery glass paste known as 'pate de verre'.

Warm glass, slumping, fusing a casting.

Cold glass
Cold worked or 'cold worked' glass includes any techniques or processes applied to the glass that is not hot. This type of glass processing is often done in combination with hot and warm glass.

Grinding, polishing, etching or engraving can be examples of cold working techniques.

Etched or etched glass
Etched glass, sometimes referred to as 'frosted glass', can be a much more generic term referring to the surface of the glass being 'etched'.

- Acid Etched Glass - This involves applying an acid, such as hydrofluoric acid, to the glass surface. This creates a matte finish and can give the glass a translucent quality.
- Sandblasted Glass - Sandblasted glass involves air blasting a granular material against the surface of the glass. Aluminum oxide or silicon carbide can be typical grit media often used in glass sandblasting.

Lampworking or Flameworking
This kind of art had to be in its own category. Many of the same glass working techniques are used in 'flame working' or 'lamp working'.

The techniques used in 'lampworking' are more closely related to those used in scientific glassblowing.

Pre-made 'borosilicate' glass tubes and rods are mostly used in lamp processing. The glass tubes or glass rods are heated with a hand or table burner to form the glass.

Amazing glass sculptures and works of art can be made with the flamework process. This glass making technique is also used for items such as beads, jewelry, ornaments and small figurines.

Borosilicate glass flamework is popular because it can handle extreme temperature changes without cracking.

Common ways art glass is made
Glass is a very versatile material, there are many different ways to make art in glass. This is just a very basic overview of some common ways glass for contemporary art can be made.

1. Size matters
When choosing glass art keep in mind the size and area of ​​the placement.

For example, a small glass sculpture cannot be bought for a large coffee table or a small dichroic glass painting cannot be placed on a huge wall space behind the sofa.

The golden rule is to measure the size of your wall or table before installing a decorative glass art piece and other glass fusing supplies.

No line is permanent, however.

You can hang several smaller glass frames in a gallery wall behind your couch.

2. Should complement the interior
Decorating at home is an easier task; the challenging part is choosing whether to go for traditional or modern art to complement the architecture.

However, variety is something that can make any space more livable and exciting, complement the interior.

If you for example, if you have a conventionally decorated room, choose a piece of modern glass art to create a beautiful centerpiece. And for the modern space, classical art adds an elegant touch to traditional art.

Not to mention, a mix of both old and new pieces can breathe new life into an otherwise monotonous decor.
3. Weight
Is it smart to put a heavy glass artwork on your coffee table or a huge glass painting on the wall?

A big "NO". Chances are your artwork will fall and get damaged.

Install your pieces after considering the weight. An unstable surface such as a trolley table is not the right place to keep your art glass safe.

4. Functional
A general rule of thumb when choosing glass art is to consider its functionality.

Whether you want to transform empty walls into something more personal or a focal point in your want to create a living room, choose a piece of art depending on its main purpose.

Sure, what is the idea of ​​buying a painting for your dining table or coffee table for that matter? Glass artworks are unique and should be treated with the utmost care and attention.

5. Price:
Price is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing glass art.

If you have budget constraints, ask gallery owners to help you find the perfect artwork that fits your budget.

People often make the mistake of buying an expensive piece simply because they think it is original. Search online or ask a glass art expert to know the value of a product.

You can start by choosing small pieces of glass art and then gradually move on to bigger and more expensive pieces.

Eventually…
Whether you choose modern or traditional, expensive or cheap, small or large, buy something unique that can add character to your home.