Glass Fusing (Kiln-Fired Glass) Projects with Bonnie Rubinstein
September 16-20, 2024
About this Class…
If you have ever been intrigued by glass, but did not think glasswork was accessible to you, now is your opportunity! Students will learn all about the fascinating art form of fused glass and create their own colorful ‘masterpieces’. Fused glass allows anyone to create intentional art shapes and compositions, which are maintained even after firing in the kiln. Students can create themes and designs that are unique to their style, resulting in sparkling glass pieces that are truly unique. During the week, students will explore what fused glass is, how it differs from blown glass, and how to cut colored pieces and lay them while cold into your composition. Participants will also learn about kilns which heat glass in a contained space which is very different than the furnace systems used when blowing class. No worries- you will have no exposure to heat at all! Students will be provided with the computerized firing schedules that Bonnie has developed for successful fuses and slumps. Examples will be shown of fused glass projects by nationwide glass artists for inspiration. Participants will dive into making their own creations! Options will include making a wall or standalone sculpture, tiles, coasters, necklace pendants and a glass bowl. Opening the kiln to see your finished and already cooled down artwork is very exciting. Color plays with light and results are stunning. Bonnie’s process is waste free. Students will be able to share their scrap glass pieces from their cuttings, which are often interesting, with other students to add unique elements to their work.
Glass fusing assures joy and fun!
Key Points
• What is fused, or kiln-formed, glass
• The basics of glass tools and safety
• Scoring and cutting
• Design layout, firing schedules, glass annealing
• Slumping into a shaped mold
• The use of kilns
• How to design and create your own glass mural for a wall/window mount or on a stand
• Making a small bowl, tiles and jewelry pendants
• Art will be kiln-fired on site.
About this instructor…
Bonnie Rubinstein, former urban designer, was always fascinated by glass. She had studied glass blowing and stained glass, before she discovered the magic of fused glass 25 years ago. Since then, she has focused on learning this complicated medium, won awards and has created dozens of architectural installations for public, private, hospitality, and educational facilities. Much of her work is nature-focused, influenced by her former career. She is known for her stunning large scale glass wall sculptures, light fixtures, sinks and stand-in sculptures. Her largest commission is a 2-story (20’ tall!) glass wall sculpture for a University Center. Bonnie’s work has been featured at museum and gallery exhibits, and she has taught workshops in glass fusing. She is self-taught and has developed several unique methods for visual textures within her layers of glass. She integrates glass shapes that remain intact in the kiln at specific temperatures, with compositions inspired by nature, science, or abstract themes. The pure colored glass she teaches are brilliant in color and will never fade. Your art will be forever keepsakes.
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**Credits:**
- Original video provided by Bonnie Rubinstein, www.rubinsteinstudio.com/
- Used with permission