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'Inner Space' : the development of repeatable techniques to integrate flameworked inclusions into and onto the sandcast glass form for artists

This practice led research is focused on encapsulating complex flameworked glass components within the interior and on the surface of sandcast glass objects. This research develops new techniques and enhances old methods associated with hot glass inclusion processes to achieve consistent and repeatable results. The practical problems associated with the encapsulation process are smearing, elongation and cracking. Further undesirable effects caused to inclusions whilst casting are misplacement, contamination and breakage. The technical investigation is built on the methods of two artists, José Chardiet and Paul Stankard. The research concentrates on the adaptation of the pre-heated mould technique and paperweight inclusion techniques. Through mould pre-heating a new process called the ‘transitional’ inclusion has been developed. This technique negates misplacement of inclusions during casting, breakage from exposure to cold or distortion. Paperweight techniques are utilised for the ‘floating’ inclusion, a historical technique. The ‘floating’ inclusion in conjunction with paperweight encapsulation techniques allowed for the creation of detailed inclusions floating between the glass strata. Paperweight techniques counteracted undesirable encapsulation reactions between the flameworked elements and the negative effects of heat, contamination and the flow of molten glass during the casting process. A second new technique called the ‘partial’ inclusion is developed using a metal mandrel to create negative holes in the cast during sandcasting. These holes can be used to add flameworked inclusions to the surface of the annealed sandcast with a glass post. This technique negated the need to find compatible glass for casting. A series of artworks are produced to demonstrate and further develop the new technical processes. The themes behind the artworks are unraveled through three case studies. The inclusion can be used within the body of the sandcast in diverse ways and their relative placement generates potential for a rich new visual language in glass art. These new techniques offer a conceptual opportunity for the artist to articulate the human condition. In conclusion this investigation contributed to new knowledge by generating new encapsulation methods for use in glass industrial design, studio production and to enhance the individual glass artists’ palette.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:736879
Date January 2017
CreatorsDenton, Julie Anne
PublisherUniversity of Sunderland
Source SetsEthos UK
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
Sourcehttp://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/8832/

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