In this newsletter I'll be writing about how to use Modeling Glass in your work, and hopefully answering some questions that will help you get the results you want. There's always a learning curve with a new product, and there are considerations working with frit and powder that you don't have when firing sheet glass. There is a full set of FAQs on the Modeling Glass website at www.modelingglass.com. You can also find back issues of all my e-newsletters there!
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Here in New Mexico, yet another terrible fire season has left thousands of acres of beautiful forest charred black. These trees grew during a wetter time in history, and the forest that returns will probably never again resemble what we have lost. I’ve been sadly watching some of my favorite hiking areas burn. It’s a demoralizing representation of what seems to be happening all over the world: losing the Nature we love to the changing climate, losing touch with our better human natures as the winds of conflict and chaos blow harder every year. I made this glass piece titled “Renewal” in the aftermath of an earlier catastrophic fire season, though it pales in comparison to this year. I wanted to remind myself that, despite loss and inevitable change, the forest carries on. Nature adapts.
It’s harder now, but I still believe in that resiliency. “Renewal” was made using a brushed metal backing panel on which I drew pine needles with black ink. The smoky glass panel has tack-fused Modeling Glass fern fronds, still coiled but about to open. I want to make more art that speaks about my personal views and experiences, that is more complex and challenging. It will also provide me with the opportunity to continue exploring new ways to work with Modeling Glass, explorations that I will share with everyone who is interested in seeing what else the product can do (constructing with high-temp wire and precious metal clay are on the list). Part of my lack of newsletter publishing has been the fact that I simply haven’t had much new content to share. Teaching will have to remain on hold while this refocusing takes place, but I think the end result will be more useful content to share with the glass community.
“Renewal” will be on display in an upcoming exhibit at my new gallery in Madrid, NM, where I will be in a group show. The opening at Calliope Gallery will be July 2 from 4-6. If you are local or are visiting, please stop by and see the show, which includes three glass artists and three painters and runs until early August. Of course, I will also be showing some of my signature feathers.
Thanks to everyone who has tried Modeling Glass, and to all the retailers who carry the product. It’s been over five years now, and I’m so appreciative of the artists who have shared their own experiments with me and with other glass folks via Facebook. What an incredible, resilient, creative tribe this is. More to come!
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I was recently commissioned to make a feather from an American White Pelican. The birds are white, but they have black wing feathers. To ensure that at least one good feather will come out, I usually make three pieces for a commission. These are 16 ½” long, which is life-size (pelicans are huge). The feathers are hand sculpted and unique, made with Modeling Glass and Bullseye powders. No molds were used except for some stainless-steel Miracle Mesh for draping the feather’s curve.
If you’d like to learn how to make glass feathers, AAE Glass sells a detailed instructional video I made with them a couple of years ago. The basic process is the same no matter what feather you are making, you just use different colors of powders—and you may or may not want to use templates (this is covered in the tutorial). This is a great way to learn how I work with Modeling Glass as an alternative to attending a live workshop.
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YES, I APPRECIATE THE INCOME. But mostly, I want to help artists enjoy all the potential of Modeling Glass. I get a lot of questions that are answered in the ebook with great detail. It's worth it. Really. Order your copy here.
Exploring Modeling Glass: The Basics and More is essential reading for any artist looking to incorporate Modeling Glass into their work to achieve amazing dimensional effects. The first ebook about Modeling Glass, it is a definitive guide to creating with this exciting new product.
Written by Lois Manno, the creator of Modeling Glass, Exploring Modeling Glass contains 81 pages of clear, step-by-step instructions and 160 photos. Featuring seven complete projects, you will learn the basic techniques for mixing, sculpting, and combining Modeling Glass with enamels. The book includes project templates and all firing schedules (designed to work with both Bullseye and System 96) in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. This ebook is suitable for all levels of experience.
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Modeling Glass
This product was developed by Lois Manno of Glass Bird Studios. It is a two-part system made of a powdered binder and liquid medium that, mixed with frit or powders along with a little water, turns the powder into a material that can be sculpted like clay. It is featured in the workshops she teaches.
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Want to purchase Modeling Glass? A list of retailers is available on the website. The list keeps growing, so check back. Ask your glass retailer to add Modeling Glass to their stock if they don't have it!
ALSO AVAILABLE IN SEPARATE REFILL SIZES: GET DOUBLE THE AMOUNT IN THE STARTER KIT FOR A BETTER PRICE PER OUNCE! ONLY ORDER THE PRODUCT YOU NEED!
Ask your glass fusing retail supplier to purchase refill sizes of Powdered Binder and Liquid Medium.
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Dear glass artist: you're receiving this message because you have expressed interest in Modeling Glass or Glass Bird Studios. If you would like to continue receiving occasional emails about Modeling glass, workshops, and user tips, there is no action for you to take. If you wish to unsubscribe from the list, you can do so at the bottom of this message. Thanks for your interest in Modeling Glass! |
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