Sunday, March 31, 2013

A Star is Born!

  

Okay, not really. But, I have to confess shooting the video was a lot of fun. It’s not everyday you get to share your humble beginning and then have it readily assessable to share with everyone, everywhere. It’s amazing.

Big thanks to photographer Steve Widoff for his patience, attention to detail and his role as artistic director.

Now on YouTube
Lisa Vogt Glass Artist
http://youtube.com/dhOifd7wukk

Glass Craft and Bead Expo
April 3 - 7, 2013

Book Signing
April 3-7 Las Vegas, NV

See you in Las Vegas,
Lisa

Fused Vessel Sinks and More
4-Day, hands-on workshop
Class size is limited.
Register online at www.LisaVogt.net
May 14-17, 2013
Sept. 24-27, 2013

Friday, March 22, 2013

Lisa Vogt Art Adventure Blog: Lights, Camera, Action!

Lisa Vogt Art Adventure Blog: Lights, Camera, Action!: It’s been an exciting week here in the studio. A professional photographer and his crew came by to shoot an artist portrait video. They...

Lights, Camera, Action!


It’s been an exciting week here in the studio. A professional photographer and his crew came by to shoot an artist portrait video. They shot footage all over the house and inside the studio. It was such a spectacular day, they set up and filmed my interview outside in the yard.

Filming took over six hours. After editing, the finished version will be only a few minutes long. Without giving away too much, this video offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at this artist’s life and art glass career. When completed, hopefully in the next few weeks, it’ll be accessible to you online.  

In the mean time, preparations for Glass Craft and Bead Expo continue. Twelve kilns, a dozen or more boxes of fusible glass and an array of classroom supplies are on the way to Las Vegas. I’m looking forward to the change of scenery, seeing old friends and meeting new glass enthusiasts.

Glass Craft and Bead Expo
April 3 - 7, 2013
Fireworks
Book signing, April 3-7, Las Vegas, NV

See you in Las Vegas,
Lisa

Want to make your own sink!
Fused Vessel Sinks and More, 4-Day, hands-on workshop
Class size is limited.
Register online at www.LisaVogt.net
May 14-17, 2013
Sept. 24-27, 2013

Friday, March 15, 2013

Sink or Swim


Where does the time go? Each day I wake optimistic that I can accomplish every one of the 500+ tasks on my mental to-do list; then life happens and the list—well it gets shuffled and resorted. But today, the deck is stacked in our favor. I’m able to carve out time to spend with you and share the next phase of the sink building process. Enjoy!  

Fused Glass Sinks: Part 3

There are two basic types of fused glass sinks: layered and cast. Layered sinks are made by stacking cut glass circles, one on top of the other. When the fused glass comes out of the slumping mold it has a beautifully rounded, finished rim.

A cast sink is made by piling glass bits and pieces on top of a clear base. It’s generally thicker and has a sharp, unfinished edge when it comes out of the slumping mold. This kind of sink is ‘cold-worked’ on an industrial size, water-fed, grinder/polisher to make the rim smooth and shinny. It’s a multi step process. We start with a course wheel and grind the edge of the glass until its uniform and even. Then it’s ground on several medium grit wheels. Gradually, the edge becomes super smooth, but it still retains a dull haze.
 
Grinding the glass edge.
The last wheel is covered with thick felt. We coat it with polishing rouge and turn the sink on it until the edge has a high gloss shine. The grinding and polishing process can take anywhere from 2 -10 hours. The length of time depends on the thickness of the glass and the skill level of the operator.  

Polishing the glass edge.
Drilling the drain hole is the next step. A centering template is temporarily glued to the inside of the glass bowl and a small amount of water is put in the basin to ensure a clean cut. We use a 1 ¾ inch diamond coated core bit to drill the drain hole.
 
Drilling the drain hole.
We then use a diamond-coated hone to counter-sink the drain hole so the strainer drain sits flush with the inside surface of the sink.
  
Counter sinking the drain hole with the hone.
Drilling and countersinking the drain hole are the fastest steps taking about 10 -15 minutes total.

Testing the fit of the strainer drain.
 
Edge and drain hole detail.
Patience is the key to making successful sinks. This process can’t be rushed. The upside, all good things come to those who wait.  

Until next time,
Lisa

Up next:
Glass Craft and Bead Expo show countdown next week.
Las Vegas, NV April 3 - 7, 2013

Make your own sink!
Fused Vessel Sinks and More, 4-Day, hands-on workshop
Class size is limited.
Register online at www.LisaVogt.net
May 14-17, 2013
Sept. 24-27, 2013