WarmGlass.com

I've seen some kiln cast glass with what appears to be quite detailed, gradated colors...

My question is are these unique and "sensitive" areas...

A. Painted
B. Patinaed
C. Actual colored glass melted in the cast
D. none of the above
E. all of the above

I know it's hard to choose without seeing a pic...but I hate to post someone elses one without permission.

If some of these are patinas or painted is this a legitimate technique to making kiln cast sculptures and what type of patinas and paints are used.

Thanks for all and any information
Russ

could be any of the above Russ, depending on what work you are talking about. I recommend you ask the person who made the work about their techniques.

Barbara

Give us the name of the artist and/or a web site where we can see some pictures. Then we can probably answer your question.

In general though -- any technique is legitimate for sculpture as long as it serves the purpose, won't self destruct (unless it is supposed to), and is well executed. A lot of glass sculptors paint on the finished glass.

Hi Russ
I don't see a problem with painting on glass if it gives the desired result. It's the end result that counts. I can't remember where I saw it but it was a sand carved picture of swans and there where gold tinted tips on the wings and the head of the swans Without the gold highlights it would have been beautiful but with the added accents of painted gold it was stunning
Regards Ian

The particular piece I was curious about it at this web address....

http://www.glassartcanada.ca/irenefroli ... yself.html


The artist is Irene Frolic. I'm wondering how she was able to achieve the colors and texture of the piece ?

Still I guess my question holds...about surface textures and "embellishing". The comment about the gold tips...was something I was looking at doing...but on an obviously different style piece. Instead of embedding the gold leaf in the cast I would rather add it to the piece after it's done cooking. Sorta like they do with gold leafing on furniture...mold work, etc.

Any other comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,
Russ

It's kiln cast, (check the fin running down the front) and coloured with pigments or oxides of some sort. I'm positive about the casting, guessing about the colourants. Brock

Could it be cast in a centrifuge with oxides poured onto the melt in the crucible which on casting would swirl oxides onto surface of finished cast
Regards
Ian
( talk about throwing the cat amongst the pigeons)

Brock...are you saying the pigments are added before casting or after the cast is completed ? Sorta like a patina ? Not famaliar with oxides and pigmentation.

Thanks

casper2 wrote:Could it be cast in a centrifuge with oxides poured onto the melt in the crucible which on casting would swirl oxides onto surface of finished cast
( talk about throwing the cat amongst the pigeons)

It could be, but I'm betting it wasn't.

My guess is B (patinaed, some sort of oxide). C (cast colored glass) also possible, but less likely, judging from the look of her other pieces on the site, which are mostly just one color castings.

coolntn wrote:Brock...are you saying the pigments are added before casting or after the cast is completed ? Sorta like a patina ? Not famaliar with oxides and pigmentation.

Thanks

I'm still guessing, but my guess is that the colourant is applied to the interior of the plaster mold, possibly copper and iron in a fine powder.
That's my guess and I'm stickin' to it. Brock

The first glass courseI took was with Irene Frolic at Corning about 3 years ago. She is an exceptional teacher, warm and giving.
Her work is wonderful . She is Canadian and mostly teachs there.If you ever getr a chance to take her class -do it!!
Here is her recipe for adding copper to her kiln cast pieces:
2parts Elmer's carpender glue
1part copper powder
1part silica sand

add 2 drops of water at a time and mix
Pour into plaster mould and roll it around
then turn the mould over and let it run out.
She likes accidents.
This causes texture and blue coloring(mostly)
I did my first negative sculpture in a solid glass form in her class. She told me that she never saw that before. In Lucartha"s new book on Women in Glass I noticed that that is what she is doing now.I was flattered. We all learn from each other.
Judi
She also will paint on glass with oil paint, but sandblasts first.

A source for bronze,brass or copper powder is Montoya Sculpure and Fine Art Supply in Florida.
I think a 1 pound can of copper powder is about $15.00
I can't find web site right now, but you can call 1-800-682-TOOL(8665) to
place an order or request a catalog.
Judi

Wow...I appreciate all the responses.

Sounds so exciting...something I'm going to have to experiment with.

I love her work...this will give me some needed inspiration

Thanks so much everyone

Judi Charlson wrote:A source for bronze,brass or copper powder is Montoya Sculpure and Fine Art Supply in Florida.
I think a 1 pound can of copper powder is about $15.00
I can't find web site right now, but you can call 1-800-682-TOOL(8665) to
place an order or request a catalog.
Judi

http://www.montoyasculpture.com/

Thank you for the phone number and site link for the copper powder and also for link to view the sculpture in question. This board makes learning casting so much easier.

Till later, Joe from Wisconsin

Ok, here is a new piece I took out of the oven this afternoon. That isn't an iridized gold finish...but rather applied with a brass brush by rubbing. The coating comes off when washed with a damp cloth.

A surface which looks nice...any ideas on perhaps a more stable coating ?

Also any comments, critiques very welcome.

Russ

Irene here. Heard of this through the "grapevine". Brock, the bon vivant, pedant casting instructor, wins the kiln casting olympics! I do "paint" the insides of my molds with the formula that Judi outlines. I use plate glass for these sculptures. Good luck everyone...and what a wonderful forum. A first for me to get involved.
Irene Frolic

Hey Irene, great to see you posting here. It'll be good to have your expert advice on this board. Are you going to the Pilchuck auction? Brock