The beginning of something new…

When I began researching glass clay, it go my artistic juices flowing and go me energised. I reasoned something, I really enjoy researching and creating new things. Well, I decided glass clay wasn’t going to be the end, I wanted to research and create some more new techniques using glass.

Firstly, I wanted to create my own glass paint. Not paint that you place on glass, but paint created using glass. I also wanted to create the colour mixtures myself, including a few interesting surprises. With this I started to begin my research. I’m at the beginning stages right now, but I’m hoping to go further with this, by being able to use them for pate de verre, glass clay, slumping, etc. I know there will be lots of snags and problems to over come during my research, but isn’t that the exciting part?

Problem…. I wanted to really go far with this and even complete my Masters, by completely the Research Art and Design MA at the University of Wolverhampton. However, at the moment if has been temporary suspended from recruiting new students. Whether this is temporary or permanent, remains to be seen. I worried and saddens me, to be honest. I thought I would take my work all the way to PHD level, I’m that full interested in my research, and being able to do this locally would save me so much, because with a family, two kids and medical problems to deal with, travelling long distances to university for a MA or PHD would be basically impossible. Luckily I have 3 more years of my part-time degree to look forward to, so hopefully things change during that time. Fingers crossed.

Now, glass paint isn’t the only thing I’m researching, I’m also looking into glass relief work, without having to do the ‘freeze and fuse’ method. I want to create something that can be moulded, and freely moved and added to pre-shoes objects. Like adding clay relief to clay work, etc.

Along side my degree, I’m hoping this research yields results. Like I’ve said, I’ve already started testing, and have had some positive results, but not to the standard I’m looking for. I will keep you posted. In the mean time, here are pictures of some of my earlier tests.