Here’s the big secret: outstanding fused glass art is never the
result of one single step. Exceptional standalone pieces, are created by
combining several advanced techniques in unexpected ways. It’s that refreshing
break from convention that captures and retains attention. Think about it. All
the pieces you find intriguing are just that, because on first glance, their
visual impact outshines the mysteries of construction. You feel the art. It changes you.
And then slowly, you register the medium, oh, it’s made with glass. You’re
drawn to these pieces first because of their totality, and secondly, by the
unusual pattern, unique form or dramatic imagery, which when used together, embodies
something you haven’t experienced before.
What can you do to cross the threshold from craft to art?
It’s easy, start with your three favorite techniques.
Instead of using them individually, use all three in one project. Don’t limit
yourself to just straight up fusing. Consider what effects can be achieved by
tack fusing pre-fused components together. How can you use intricate patterns
to add physical or visual texture, to specific areas of the artwork? What combination
of slumping molds will give your flat glass a sculptural quality? Where can you
include a recognizable image, a bird, a building or face to anchor the viewer’s
interest?
Is this way of thinking complicated? Yes. Is it time
consuming? Yes.
Will it propel you from hobbyist to artist? Absolutely.
Here’s how to get started.
1 Shape up. What’s the most popular fused glass project
shape, you see shared, in your Facebook groups? You got it, square. Why; it’s
easy. It’s also ho-hum. Challenge your cutting skills, accept you’ll have scrap
and risk breaking glass, to give your pieces an interesting shape. Trust me,
this is one of the most basic and simplest ways to get your work noticed. The
shapes don’t have to be complex geometric puzzle pieces. Often subtle curves,
strategically placed notches and unusual profiles, like a curved triangle or
crescent shape, deliver big wows.
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| Tidal Pool is an example of getting creative with shape. |
2 Speak through pattern. Consider adding patterns to select portions of your project. Cut patterned
components from fused scrap, pot melts, woven blanks and combed studies. Working
sections of pattern into your art, forces you to plan an interesting and unique
composition. More importantly, it steers you clear of the fallback: cut,
assemble and fuse mindset. Further enhance your work, create balance by
contrasting the heavily patterned areas with fields of complimentary color. Beware
the geometric masterpiece black hole where the entire piece is a complex
pattern. In this vortex, it’s all about the repetitive pattern. Sure, the
finished design is an impressive tribute to your steadfast patience and
technical skills, but it’s usually just that. Unfortunately, the piece is ultimately
overly busy and admired more for your diligence and less for your artistic
flare. You linear thinkers, you know who you are, love this zone. You’re more
at home in the mechanics of making glass than in the design of glass art. Here’s
where we change that.
 |
| This Swirl Tray is an example of using pattern to get noticed. |
 |
| Here’s the Sea Turtle. Which one do you find more interesting? |
4 Give it unique form. The really cool thing about giving
your artwork distinctive shape is that the unique, sculptural quality,
transcends function and your work is immediately accepted as fine art. You can
achieve a sculptural quality by using different slumping molds in combination
with each other or you can combine a variety of fused and or slumped glass components
together. The possibilities are endless. You’re limited only by your
imagination.
 |
| Glacier has it all texture, unique form and an exciting base. |
5 Show it off. Nothing say hobbyist like a cheesy wire plate
stand from the craft store. Throw them away! Your artwork deserves to be
displayed on a base or stand that is as well thought out and designed as the
artwork itself. A good display is sturdy, yet it enriches the art by adding to the
sculpture quality. It should also give the artwork lift and allow light to
surround the entire piece. Having an eye-catching display is one of the best things
you can do to increase the visual interest and perceived value of your pieces. Think
outside the box. It’s fun and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of ideas
you’ll soon have.
A lot of forethought and planning goes into making show
quality artwork. Your efforts will soon be rewarded with the increased
desirability of your work and your elevated worth as an innovative artist.
Until next time, keep fusing.
Lisa
Upcoming Classes
Take
it to the Next Level – Advanced Mixed
Technique
2-Day Workshop, June 13-14, 2016
Breaking
Through – Making Exhibition Quality
Artwork
2-Day Workshop, June 15-16, 2016
D&L Art Glass Supply in
Denver, CO.
Upcoming Webinars
Fusing with Frit
July 7, 2016
Back by
popular demand.
NEW Upscale Fusing
July 26,
2016
July 28,
2016
NEW Creative Slumping
August 30,
2016
September 2,
2016
Glass
Patterns Quarterly Webinar Link
Upcoming Workshops
Now
registering!
Advanced Glass Fusing
October 18-21, 2016
4-Day,
Hands-on
Wesley
Chapel, Florida
