The art of glass making: A journey from cane to urchin
Transforming raw materials into exquisite glass art
The art of glass making is a mesmerizing journey, transforming raw materials into exquisite, intricate pieces. This process begins with the creation of glass cane with multiple layers of colour and culminates in the crafting of stunning glass urchins. Here, I share the detailed steps involved in my glass making process, from the initial formation of the cane to the final touches that bring each piece to life.
Creating glass cane with multiple layers of colour …………………..
The foundation of my glass making process is the creation of glass cane, which involves layering different colours of glass. This begins by selecting a variety of coloured glass rods, which are then heated in a glory hole until they become malleable. The rods are skilfully manipulated and layered to form a single, multi-coloured cane. This cane serves as the primary material for the following steps in the process.
Cooling and Cutting the Cane
After the cane has been pulled out and cooled, the cane is then cut into sections, each of which will be used in the next stage of the glass urchin making process.
The roll-up technique and making Supios ……….
The next step involves the roll-up technique, where the sections of the glass cane are transformed into Supio cups. This technique involves rolling the cane sections onto a gather of hot glass from the furnace.
Forming the Supio cups
Once the cane sections are fused into a cylindrical shape, the glass is blown and shaped into Supio cups. This involves inflating the glass with a blowpipe and using various tools to shape it into a cup-like form. The supio cups are then allowed to cool gradually, ready for the next stage of the process.
Blowing the glass urchin from Supio cups ……….
Each Supio cup is transformed into a glass urchin through a process that combines blowing and shaping techniques. This step requires precision and control to achieve the desired form.
The Supio cups are reheated in the glory hole until they become pliable. Using a blowpipe, the glass is inflated and shaped into a spherical form. This requires careful control of the air pressure and temperature to ensure a uniform shape. Various glass tools are used to shape into the distinctive urchin form.
Transporting to the studio and cutting the surface …………
Polishing and finishing
Heating and stretching the cane
Once all the colour rods are added, the cane pull is heated in the glory hole to an even temperature, once the temperature is correct, the cane is carefully drawn and stretched to achieve the desired uniform thickness.
Rolling the cane sections
The cane sections are placed on a flat surface and carefully aligned. A hot gather of glass with an internal coloured layer is shaped on the blowing iron and rolled over the cane sections, causing them to adhere to the gather. The canes are then gradually melted into the surface of the glass this creates a cylindrical shape, which is then heated in a furnace to ensure that the canes are fully fused.
Heating and blowing the glass
When the piece has finished on the lathe the urchin is then sandblasted to take away the high shine of the glass giving the piece an overall matte look. To create the tactile surface the final process is a brush polish with pumice. The surface then imparts a beautiful satin finish that helps to reduce finger marks and brings the many colours within each unique piece to life.
Conclusion …………
After the glass urchins have been blown and shaped and cooled down in the annealer they are transported to my studio in Brisbane for the final stage of the process. Here, the surface of each glass urchin is cut on a diamond wheel lathe for many hours to reveal the many colours within each cane.
The process of making glass urchins is a complex and rewarding journey, from the initial creation of multi-layered glass cane to the final polishing and finishing touches. Each step requires skill, patience, and a deep understanding of the materials and techniques involved. The result is a unique piece of art that reflects the beauty and versatility of glass as a medium.
Through this detailed process, I can create stunning glass urchins that captivate the eye and highlight the incredible potential of glass making. Each piece is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into every creation, and I am proud to share this journey with you.
