How is glass art made?

Glass art is typically created using the following techniques.

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Lampworking is the term used when glass is being manipulated in a torch.  Objects like beads, marbles, oil lamps, and even goblets are all made in a glass torch. The glass torches at Wildfire run on a mix of Propane and Oxygen. The heat created is used to manipulate clear and colored glass into the desired form. In the Lampworking series of classes, artists may be subjected to the heat involved in glass working and a risk of burns and cuts.

We require all artists have completed the B100: What is Lampworking: Tools and Safety class which can be found in the Getting Started section below.

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Kilnforming is the term used when an artist designs and shapes glass in a kiln or annealer. The basic process of cutting and grinding to create patterns and imagery in sheet glass, which will then be fired in a kiln to melt the material into a single piece. Multiple firings at different temperatures will be used to create the finished piece.  In this series of workshops artists may be subjected to sharp edges, a high risk of cuts and hot equipment.

We require all students take the B101: Introduction to Kilnforming class which can be found in the Getting Started section below.

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Off-hand or Traditional Glassblowing is used to describe when glass is melted in a large furnace and then gathered out with a stainless steel blowpipe.  The glass is then manipulated and hollow pipes are used to inflate the molten glass. Hot Shops are run with a team of people working together. Often with one main "gaffer" and at least one assistant. Wildfire offers this experience once a month for groups of 6.