Monday, February 15, 2010

workshop week



We're headed back to the city today and then tomorrow to Austin to teach a 6 day pate de verre workshop. I find this to be a bit ingenious since I haven't personally done any, with two small exceptions last year, for about a year and a half. I did get some stirring going on in the studio last fall and have several models I started on but never finished. The back room here which is my model making studio is really cold in the winter and the wax is too difficult to work with, especially with the arthritis in my thumbs. I'll have to get a little electric heater I guess. Our plan is to devote our attention to this last big job and after it is finished, get back to work in the studio on a new body of work in the pate de verre.

In this workshop, the students make two projects...a 4” tile and a small cup which is 4” in diameter using two different types of molds. The picture above is one of the sample tiles I made for the class. It looks mostly the way it did after being broken out of the mold and cleaned up, although I have demonstrated some finishing techniques on parts of it.

We also demonstrate, with some hands on, different types of reproduction molds.

I'm borrowing my BIL's laptop to take with us, but I doubt I'll be doing much posting while we are gone. I know, I know, what will you all do? I'm sure you'll find ways to occupy your time while I am out of pocket and it will only be a week.

24 comments:

  1. Wonderful to share your art and technique with others. Have an amazing week!

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  2. Have a great week. Which I know you will!! Enjoy!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  3. I love this tile! I wish I was closer and I would be in that class.

    Try to relax and enjoy your time away.

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  4. ellen i'm glad to have the details of the life i have but i wish - oh i wish i could be there for this class!!! steven

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  5. That tile looks great. Have fun and don't worry about us. We'll all be here when you get back. :)

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  6. Have fun! Hope those thumbs loosen up for you!

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  7. Those students are really lucky! Have fun!

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  8. Amazing work that you do here with glass. Enjoy your trip. Teach well and come home refreshed.

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  9. Have a great time... we'll be awaiting your return :0)

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  10. Have fun! Maybe teaching the class will be inspirational.

    I'm always amazed at the extreme technical skills you have developed for your art. Wow.

    Love the phrase pate de vere. Don't know what the literal translation is, but I think of true pate. Oh yeah.

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  11. 'pate de verre' literaly translated means 'paste of glass'. The term refers to the glass powders and finely ground frit (crushed glass, like sand) that is mixed with a binding agent (I use gum arabic but there are other things that can be used) to make a sort of glass paste that is used to fill the mold. There's a tutorial with pictures on my website if anyone is interested.

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  12. This tile is just beautiful, wish also I could be in that class! Have a good week.

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  13. The beet tile makes me drool! I would so love to take a class from you- how to's always get me cranked up and out of the blues and woes of living on a cot.Austin- yay- the best reason for Texas to stay in the union!

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  14. There must be something in the mix of glass and binding agent that contributes to the vibrancy of this lovely piece. Have fun sharing your skills and artistic energy!

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  15. Hope Austin goes very well Ellen! The students are very lucky.

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  16. Have a wonderful workshop!

    That tile is beautiful and I'm sure you're a gift to your students.

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  17. The tile is just amazing! Have a terrific time sharing with other artists.

    God bless and have a glorious day!!!

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  18. Hope workshop went well. I'd love to go on one of your workshops. They sound so much fun.

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  19. Sounds fun! Hope it was a big success!

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  20. I love that tile. Have fun, i know the students will.

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  21. Oh, Houston, Austin. I envy you. The tile looks interesting.

    http://caffeinatedglobe.blogspot.com/

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