“Blown glass is an extraordinary piece of art created exquisitely by the artist. Each piece that is made is unique. Sculptures, figurines, Christmas ornaments, vases, paperweights and beads are various examples of blown glass and can be found worldwide. A glass blower may shape molten glass into colorful dishes.” The heart above is a piece I blew. I have blown ornaments vases, and other shapes (heart, ovals, etc.). Blowing glass can be challenging. I found the most difficult task was to be patient.
Chihuly Garden and Glass is in downtown Seattle. The museum is both indoor and outdoor. “The eight galleries and three Drawing Walls offer a comprehensive collection of Dale Chihuly’s significant series of work. ”
In Tacoma, there is a bridge feature Dale Chihuly artwork. Not only is the glass above you, but you will see his artwork featured in blocks around the Tacoma Museum of Glass. I had the privilege of watching Dale’s drawings come to life in the Hot Shop. Sitting in a hot shop watching artists create their work is an experience I’ll never forget.
Glass Fusing
Glass blowing is different from glass fusing. “Glass fusing is the joining together of pieces of glass at high temperature, usually in a kiln. This is usually done roughly between 700 °C (1,292 °F) and 820 °C (1,510 °F), and can range from tack fusing at lower temperatures, in which separate pieces of glass stick together but still retain their individual shapes, to full fusing at higher ones, in which separate pieces merge smoothly into one another.”
Initially, I went to a fusing class with a group of friends to drink wine and create our own masterpieces at MoltenWorks. Cutting glass and layering them is an experience. You need to carefully think about how the glass will melt upon each other to create your design. There are many designs and instructions on how to fuse glass. I recommend you go into the workshop with a design in mind.
Tribute to Washington State 