“Flip, Flip, Flash” Glassblowing/Hot Sculpting

Dive into the world of glass sculpting and discover a different mode of working the material, where turning is abandoned for “flipping,” and you are freed from the constraint of a singular axis.

Students will learn a variety of sculpting techniques to bring visions to life. Exercises in sketching will help us to “see” and “know” forms while working with the molten material. Expect to build a vocabulary of sculpting techniques including solid and blown (inside) sculpting, garage assembly, hot-torch use, and teamwork that you can apply to your glassmaking practice.

What to Expect:

• We strive to meet students where they are at their skill level. Ideally students will have experience in hot glass, at least gathering skills, but we can work with all levels.
• They will be shown some basic sculpting exercises and then will be encouraged to apply the newly learned techniques to individual projects.
• An important component to the class will be learning to be an attentive assistant; pairing up to work together is a must.
• Class time will be split between demonstrations and practice in teams.
• The hot shop is a loud studio, and can get quite warm.
• Glassblowing takes repetition and practice - expect failures along with successes.
• Additional work time for intensive students:
• Students will also have access to additional hours in the hot shop, without instruction, on Thursday- Sunday from 5-8pm.
• Students must be able to work safely in the studio, and be able to set up their area without needing instruction.
• Students participating in student hours will need to be approved by the instructor and TA’s.

• This course is best suited for individuals with at least 2 years of glassblowing experience.

• The glass needs to cool down overnight, so the students will have to return to UrbanGlass once notified to pick up their work.