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An
extensive range of equipment and tools are necessary to control
and complete the process of creating fused glass art. Among
these are torches, grinders, drill press, saws, ceramic and
metal molds. |
| Using
a small kiln, glass is fired to it's molten state, then "combed"
with a rod to product wavy designs in the glass. |
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After
a piece has been fired for the last time, finishing or cold
working takes place. Care is taken to define and shape the edges.
Here a large saw is used to trim a very thick piece of glass. |
| Sandblasting
is a skill used to add designs, carvings and engravings to the
finished piece. |
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Pictured
here, a computer controlled kiln that is nearly full. It is
being prepared for it's first firings. This fire will ramp to
nearly 1,500 degrees and can take 5 to 8 hours. |
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Referred to as "warm glass," glass fusion is one of the
oldest forms of glass making.
Instead
of blowing the glass, torches and kilns are used to make the glass
molten. Each piece begins with hand cut, broken, pulled, and ground
pieces of glass and other objects.
These
pieces of glass and objects are then designed in a layered manner
on the kiln shelf. Through a series of firings (at temperatures
ranging from 1,200-1,500 degrees) a new piece of glass is formed
and finally coaxed into its ultimate shape.
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"In
my earlier work, I attempted to achieve percision in my cuts,
shapes and designs. Sometimes frustrated and puzzled, I noticed
that the glass had a mind of its own. Each day it would respond
differently to my manipulations. Was it atmospheric conditions,
or something far-out? I began to emphasize texture, contrast,
and the unexpected."
--
Susan Maxfield |
Through
a variety of methods for creating and manipulating glass art, Susan
Maxfield's Maxfield Glass has taken the art of fused glass to the
next level.
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