http://gttpp.com/blog glass fusion, websites for artists Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:56:10 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 http://gttpp.com/blog/?p=16 http://gttpp.com/blog/?p=16#comments Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:48:40 +0000 admin http://gttpp.com/blog/?p=16 Art glass fusion is complex, and contains a level of surprise from beginning the initial layout to the end product of a fused piece. Fused Glass is an exploration of design and individuality.
     The glass comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Dichroic and iridescent art glass have special coatings that will change color and appearance depending upon the angle from which seen. Colors can change during firing because of chemical reactions.
     The preparation of each piece takes time and patience to ensure perfect results after firing. Each piece usually starts out as a plain sheet of glass on which the artist carefully plans a design. Many different materials are used to create textures and effects within the glass. These include metals, foils, mesh, enamel powders, glass grains, oxides, gold and silver leaf, and copper wire. It is these materials that are combined on the glass surface to create the design to be fused within layers of glass. Once the design is complete the glass is kiln fired at temperatures in excess of 1500°F. The process of fusing the glass takes around 30 hours. The glass then needs to be allowed to cool slowly to prevent thermal shock from causing the glass to break. If the fused glass panel is to be made into a bowl it is then placed onto a ceramic mould and reheated to around 1300 degrees F. At this temperature the glass slumps to take on the shape of the mould. Again the glass is allowed to cool slowly to avoid stresses within the glass. This final firing process takes an additional 24 hours to complete.
     There are infinite possibilities when fusing with art glass that can be very exciting and challenging.

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