Art Glass

Glass is one of the most transformative materials known to man. It can exist in several forms of matter may it be in solid, liquid or a gaseous state, its properties are truly fascinating and unique. Glass can be compared to a clear and pristine liquid. As glass captures light from its surroundings it begins to illuminate from within. One might say that glass can be considered a gem-like material that is made from one of the most abundant substances which is sand.

Man has been making glass since the dawn of time by combining various metallic salts and oxidizing elements. The mineral content of glass is responsible for showcasing various spectrums of color from light, transforming it into an array of magnificence and hue. The manipulation of glass as an art form was characterized by Theophilus as a method that paved the way to providence and enlightenment for an age. He is responsible for creating the first ever guide to glass art, dating back as far as 110 AD. It details the first ever instructions on how to manipulate glass to emulate certain shape and color, with materials such as iron and lead being used to shape and frame it.

One of the hardest art mediums to make and master is that of glass. The technical difficulties of the work starts with the use molten glass and molding this to the artist’s vision. Either that or to wait till a solid block of glass cools and dries slowly, in order that there is no air bubble formed while it cools and hardens. This even before the art work takes shape. Either way, the piece of glass is still considered capricious, not just because it might chip but also because the whole thing might break down the middle at any time during the sculpting process.

On the smaller scale of glass sculptures are figurines. With art glass figurines there is the translucency of the medium as well as the vibrant play of colors. This gives the illusion of dynamic frailty to the art work even if it was a solid piece of glass. These art works leave no doubt as to the skill of the artist.

The art of the vase is almost as older than civilization. Vases have been in existence even before there were cities. During ancient times, vases large and small were functional and artistic at the same time. The potters who made vases put much effort to these everyday things in respect for their long years of use.

Modern vases have come a long way. These are no longer mainly functional but are usually decorative in nature. Clay vases have also become less common, as plastic, china, metal and glass vases have become more common.

Art glass vases, however, are considered a cut above the rest. Art glass vases come in an infinite number of shapes, colors and sizes. There are even some vases which change color depending on the light source. The technical know-how needed to create them are a level higher than those for other materials. Considering the additional level of difficulty in manufacturing using glass, there is also the artistic and creative mind which has to be on the same level as the technical skill.

Among dated designs, one of the older forms of glass design are those of stained glass windows. The beauty of stained glass is that the artist creates both an art form and a medium. We can appreciate the window for itself, but the light which shines through the window is also another reason for awe.

Among more common items in the home, stained glass artifacts also found their way into lamps. Though they look dated, art glass lamps have not lost their charm and are still very popular. The way light plays on the frame acting like a shade, is like that of a stained glass window.

Like stained glass windows, there is the childlike fascination with the use of colored glass for the shade of an art glass lamp. The design itself might just be solid colors for each side or some design which uses small pieces like a mosaic, but it is this mix of colors which makes looking at the light a joy.