Finding Inspiration in Unlikely Places

Native Boat from the book Destination Innovation

Inspiration is easy to find once you open yourself to discovery. The first step is to slow down and take time to actually see the varied patterns and unique color combinations that are right in front of you every day. When I’m in the design phase of a project, whether it’s a new book, a commission, or a gallery series, I stop to study mundane things. I notice the herringbone pattern in the brick pavers at the mall. The rigid shapes would make a dramatic background for something organic like ribbons or flowers. I make note of unusual color combinations used in trendy clothes and woven into the fabric of modern home furnishings. I take those tried groupings and remix them to come up with even more interesting fusions. On one occasion, I found inspiration in a random stack of jelly bean colored hair bands. I made several projects for my book Destination Innovation from that same accidental collection of colors.

 

On Track Clock from the book Destination Innovation

The thing to remember is your muse is never far away. It’s simply a matter of letting go, allow it to move you and you’ll create something amazing!

 

Seize the moment,

Lisa

Cast Away check out my article in the May 30 issue of the online magazine  Fused Glass Projects Magazine, www.fused-glass-projects.com

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Fused Vessel Sinks and More! September, 16-19, 2014, Wesley Chapel, Florida. Register online at www.LisaVogt.net Click, Shop/Classes & Workshops

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Reason to Celebrate!

It never ceases to amaze me how much fun you can have while you’re hard at work. It’s no surprise I love my job, creating glass and teaching. But more than anything, I like meeting new people. And what better way to really get to know someone, than in an extended workshop where we grow skills while working with a medium we love.  

Over the years I’ve hosted numerous Fused Vessel Sink workshops. It’s the students who make the class extraordinary. Each person has a fascinating story. Many had surprising careers, others found themselves at a crossroad and made the decision to take their life in a different direction. Many were survivors, some of accidents and others of disease. Each story is unique, but they had a shared effect. The story proved to be the catalyst that lead the student to expose themselves to exciting, new things. Often times that exciting, new thing is expanding their glass fusing knowledge and skills in one of my sink classes. You can imagine how rewarding it is for me to guide these students and then share their joy, when they exceed their own expectations.

Now that you know what I get from teaching the class, it’s only fair you hear what the students are saying about taking the workshop.

“What a wonderful opportunity to work hand in hand with one of our industries most creative glass artist! Lisa can inspire and encourage new ideas and techniques in students at all levels, from beginner to professional! I found my time with Lisa to be a pivotal investment in my career! I’m so glad I made the commitment…and the pieces I made paid the way!!!”                
Kathleen Bromley Rothman, KATGLASS: Stained Glass Studio of Clearwater                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
“I have taken two of Lisa Vogt’s sink classes and I have to say that they were both very informative and worth every penny!!! She is a hands on, down to earth girl, who is very involved with her students and wants all her student to succeed. I would highly recommend Lisa's class to anyone who loves to learn more about the glass process. She doesn't just show you how to make the piece, but she also explains how the process works.  
I have known Lisa and Joe since 2001 and they have helped me develop my business and are always there to help me when I run into a problem with my work.  
I highly recommend her sink class. You will have a blast and learn so much.” 
Sincerely, Patti Wieclaw

“I’d been admiring Lisa’s beautiful sinks for many years and was doubtful that I’d be able to create one of my own—even with her guidance and assistance. She patiently walked the class through each step of the process and provided insights on techniques to provide interest within the individual sinks. Our class was able to do at least six different projects during the week—expanding our knowledge and skill in dealing with hot glass. Although several members of the class had extensive experience, Lisa made sure not to leave anyone behind while creating our unique pieces. I would recommend this class and am considering attending a second time because of the inspiration and opportunity to try new things with Lisa!"
P. Boody                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Now Registering!
Fused Vessel Sinks and More, 4-Day Workshop, September, 16-19, 2014, Wesley Chapel, Florida. Seats are limited. Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

Check out my YouTube video about the sink class. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk

Look for my Cast Away article in the May issue of Fused Glass Projects Magazine                   www.fused-glass-projects.com

 

Thanks for stopping by. Lisa

Web www.LisaVogt.net
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk
Facebook www.Facebook.com/LisaJVogt

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Moment in Time

 

A Moment in Time, Freestanding Cast Glass and Iron Sculpture, Finished Dimensions Including Frame: 32” high, 25” wide and 5” deep.

One of the things I like most about making cast pieces is that the approach is different from straightforward glass fusing. The focus of basic fusing is the project and how efficiently it can be made. Casting is driven by process. It’s the sequence of multiple, singular steps carefully carried out over a period of time, seamlessly linked together, that craft an engaging piece of art.

 

When making a cast piece as large as A Moment in Time you don’t just dive in. The concept began as a small 6” high, 6” wide and 1” thick prototype. I built this small scale version several times, making slight adjustments to each model, until it looked just right. Once I had the design, I increased the length of my firing program and made 12”high, 12”wide and 1.5” size pieces. Before going full size, I consulted with friends at Uroboros Glass. They had great suggestions for firing thick pieces. I took the most conservative parts of their firing guide, combined it with the conservative portions of mine, and came up with a totally new program. It was that five day long program that I used to fire the full size cast glass piece which measured 25”high, 22 wide and 3” thick.

 

When it comes to casting, patience is key. The success of the artwork is contingent on planning, preparation and maticulous execution. It differs from straightforward fusing, where project designs often develop spontaneously. Casting, on the other hand is structured assembly. But if you put in the time, and make the bold effort you’ll be amazed by the new, artistic possibilities that hard work unlocks.   

Thanks for stopping by.                                                                                                                                          

Lisa

Only two spots remain!

Fused Vessel Sinks and More, 4-Day Workshop

September, 16-19, 2014
Wesley Chapel, Florida.
Register online at www.LisaVogt.net

See more photos on Facebook Lisa J Vogt

Visit my web sites www.LisaVogt.net and www.OriginalsInGlass.com / portfolio if you’d like to see more of my work. 

Web www.LisaVogt.net
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhOifd7wukk
Facebook www.Facebook.com/LisaJVogt