After
Glow, Design: Lisa
Vogt, Fabrication:
Joe Vogt
|
“It’s a
process.” That’s one of the first things I say to a client inquiring about
commissioning a custom piece of art. I further explain that we’ll be creative
partners. There’ll be a good deal of give and take before we agree on the
direction and form the artwork will take.
If you find my approach surprising, you’re not alone. People
think I just look at a space and a wonderful original idea pops into my head. I
have designed from the hip. But when it comes to my commission work, I prefer
to take a more personal approach. This way, the finished art represents the individual
client’s style, as much my own. Truth is, I value their input. They already
envision how the new artwork will enhance their living space, even if they
can’t fully articulate exactly what that artwork will look like. The fun part
for me, the challenge, is to take that fragmented information and design a work
of art that brings their abstract ideas to life.
After Glow Computer Rendering |
Plus, it’s
difficult to meet someone’s expectations without first knowing what they hope
to accomplish with the installation. Working closely with the client better
enables me to satisfy that goal. The reality is, it’s the client who will live with the art, not me. Accordingly, I
strive to over-deliver and exceed their expectations by creating exceptional
art they’ll absolutely love.
In addition
to the esthetic aspect of the artwork, there are the physical parameters of the
installation site that need to be considered. The space available, the design
style, the color scheme, lighting, budget, indoor or outdoor site, private or public
locations are just a few of the constraints that will drive the artwork’s design
direction.
Equipped with
all this information, the designing began with a few quick sketches. These
thumbnails helped me get a feel for the client’s likes and dislikes. Once we’d
narrowed down the overall flow and glass shapes, I drew a detailed color
rendering of the approved design. Then, the client and I met to go over the
fabrication specifications. At the same time, I showed them examples of the materials
that we’d use to build their one-of-a-kind beauty.
Fabrication
began with a full scale drawing. This was my opportunity to tweak the design
and make minor changes that would improve continuity. Slight adjustments were
made to curves, the overall size and the placement of the design elements. The
glass inserts were made next.
My client had
a beautiful, brightly colored abstract painting hanging on the wall in the same
room that this piece would call home. I wanted to incorporate ribbon shapes and
colors found in the painting in the glass art. I felt that pot melts, with their
characteristic flowy color blends would make flashy focal points. I made several
pot melts using the vivid color combinations in the painting. The pot melts were
later cut down and fit into the design. I also slumped several narrow strips
over a wavy mold for an unexpected, vertical element.
When the
glass was done, the inserts were laid out on the pattern. The metal framework
was then custom bent to compliment the glass pieces. Once the main frame was complete,
brackets were fitted to each of the glass inserts. Removable clips on top of
the brackets would hold the glass securely in place. The completed metal
sculpture was then sandblasted, primed, painted and clear coated. In the final
step, the three fused glass discs were glued into the metal rings.
After Glow took six months to complete. I
had some setbacks while fusing the glass, but we pushed through. The metal work
had to wait until the glass was done, so that added time. Once started, the metal
fabrication progressed in stages. Several times we’d overcome one obstacle and
then need a few days to brainstorm the best way to proceed from there. There
was no standard fallback procedure to follow. Our techniques have had to change
and evolve with every new project. That’s the joy and challenge of making
one-of-a-kind glass and metal sculptures. In the end though, it’s not about the
time. It’s about the quality of the work and the way it enhances the site that
matters. But the real thrill comes from seeing the collective dream my clients
and I envisioned, in all its graceful glory, become a reality.
After
Glow
Design: Lisa
Vogt
Fabrication:
Joe Vogt
Fused Glass
and Steel
72-inch x
60-inch x 5-inch
Private
Residence, Wesley Chapel, Florida
See it made in the fabrication video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q32028RiPDM
Enjoy,
Lisa
Next Webinar
Make a Fused Glass Sink
November 10, 2016
Next 4-Day, Hands-On Workshop
Advanced Glass Fusing
February 21-24, 2017
My private
studio, Wesley Chapel, Florida
You’ll love
the in-depth concentration, personal instruction and casual atmosphere.
Learn how to
make your art stand out!
Upcoming Webinar
Upscale Fusing with Lisa Vogt
January 5, 2017
Upcoming Webinar
Fusing with Frit with Lisa Vogt
January 24, 2017
No comments:
Post a Comment