Summer 2010 - Session 1: May 31-June 11
(two weeks)
- Scandinavian Focus
Susanne Jøker Johnsen | Glassblowing
- Flameworking for Everybody
Emilio Santini and Alex Hamilton | Flameworking
- What is Going on in There?
Ann Robinson | Kiln Working
- Venetian Techniques in Glass Painting
Lucia Santini | Painting on Glass
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Scandinavian Focus
Susanne Jøker Johnsen | Glassblowing
In this introduction to contemporary and traditional Scandinavian glassmaking, students will be introduced to a wide range of Swedish-style techniques for glassblowing and hot glass decoration. Lectures and conversations will focus on the Scandinavian traditions of design and aesthetics in glass, and the blown form as a starting point. Students will develop and realize individual projects with emphasis on experimentation and the creative process. Critiques will focus on idea development and attention will be brought to the specific qualities of glass, such as opacity versus transparency, and optics and form. One year of glassblowing experience is required.
Susanne Jøker Johnsen is an artist and teacher. She lives in Copenhagen and has been part of the faculty at the Glass and Ceramic School in Bornholm for many years. In 2008 she was the director of European Glass Context at The Art Museum of Bornholm in Denmark. Ms. Johnson was trained at the Kosta School and has apprenticed with master glassblowers. She has taught at The Studio and Pilchuck Glass School. Her work is in the permanent collections of Glasmuseet Ebeltoft, Museum of American Glass, and Museum of Glass Tacoma.
Flameworking for Everybody
Emilio Santini and Alex Hamilton | Flameworking
Realizing personal creativity through torch work will be the focal point of this course. Students will be introduced to various sculpting and glassblowing techniques. They will use colored rods and tubing to create objects. Venetian techniques for making figures with soft glass also will be demonstrated. No glassworking experience is required; advanced students also are welcome.
Emilio Santini, originally from Murano, resides with his family in Williamsburg, VA, where he works glass full time in his studio. He also is a faculty member of the Virginia Commonwealth University glass department. Mr. Santini is a full-time father juggling his time between family, teaching, and working glass.
Alex Hamilton is a graduate of Sheridan College in Oakville, ON, and was a resident at Harbourfront Craft Studio in Toronto. He has been a Researcher-in-Residence at The Studio, and a teaching assistant for Emilio Santini since 1997. Mr. Hamilton also has taught workshops at Sheridan College and in many locations in the United States. His studio, Rideau Glass Studio, is located in Manotick, ON.
What is Going on in There?
Ann Robinson | Kiln Working
This class will look in-depth at the process of casting glass using the lost-wax method. Designed for students who are already familiar with the lost-wax process and are experiencing problems, this class will explore the details of casting, and analyze and resolve problems that casters may encounter throughout the process. Mold materials, firing schedules, annealing and finishing will be covered during this course. Some lost-wax casting experience is required.
Ann Robinson, a New Zealand native, specialized in glassblowing and bronze casting at Auckland University. After nine years working at Sunbeam Glass Works, the glassblowing cooperative she co-founded, Ms. Robinson went on to combine her interest in bronze casting with her appreciation for the qualities of glass. She has taught in New Zealand and the United States, and has exhibited her work around the world. She works in her studio at Karekare with partner John Edgar, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape.
Venetian Techniques in Glass Painting
Lucia Santini | Painting on Glass
This course will focus on the traditional Venetian techniques for painting enamels on glass. Students will learn techniques for mixing and applying colors, as well as applying gold leaf. Technical and artistic aspects of glass painting will be covered, and plenty of time will be allowed for practice. No glassworking experience is required.
Lucia Santini was born in Murano to a family that has been making glass for 600 years. She learned to paint on glass from her mother and grandmother, and began her career as a glassmaker in the workshops of Murano. She now lives in Venice, and enjoys collaborating with flameworker Lucio Bubacco and with her brother, Emilio Santini.
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