Glass!

Recently someone mentioned how lucky I was to take such great classes in NYC.  While it's true that in the past The Ink Pad occasionally offered wonderful opportunities with well known mixed media artists (opportunities I took advantage of as often as possible), that was pretty much the only venue here in the Big Apple.

Until, that is, my friend Michele opened up her studio and began attracting so many of the world class artists I'd long admired.  And some I didn't know about.....yet.  So, I'm starting off this post with a great big shout out to Michele.  I love that she has filled her calendar with so many diverse classes that are just a short subway ride away.  Even if you don't live in NY, why don't you join her group so you'll be informed of upcoming classes.  Lots of people travel great distances to take a class; last year my good friend Elena flew up from Key Largo to join us for two wonderful days with Ingrid Dijkers.

Yesterday Michele hosted another stained glass workshop with the amazing David Jacobson.  David travels all the way from Michigan to teach us and provides every single thing we need.  I realized early on that this was NOT an art form I'd be doing at home, though I do enjoy it so very much.  How nice to come to a class totally empty handed (and often empty headed, though that doesn't last long; David is very inspiring and motivating), and leaving with a lovely finished product.  As a long time educator myself,  I can tell you, David has the patience of a saint!  And 36 years of creating gorgeous glass pieces.  His specialty is Tiffany lamp reproductions, and his work is outstanding.

Here he is, demonstrating for the class.  You can see how well he equipped the studio for us.



This was my second class with David (and his third time at the studio), and having some basic knowledge of glass cutting, foiling and soldering, I decided that I wanted to try something dimensional.....a hinged box.

Here it is!  I can't believe I made this....with ample help from David, believe me. 

 

 

 

I'd not been having the greatest week, so you can see I chose a very simple design for my lid; only nine pieces of glass to cut and foil.  Pat, on the other hand, went for a simply gorgeous art deco-ish design that had, if I counted correctly, 21 pieces on the lid.  I was only able to get one clear shot, just before David snatched it away to wrap it up for her.

 

 

 

Isn't it fabulous?!

 

Karen, who I often see at Michele's, is one who has embraced glass and does plan to do projects at home.  She also has the patience and talent to go with that desire.  She made a lovely candle holder, and when she got home she posted a photo of it where it will be living.  Here it is:

 

 

 

Where I simply selected the glass I liked and cut my pieces, Karen took her time and chose just the right part of the glass to cut, so the swirls of color were all going in the direction she wanted.  Wonderful!

 

And here is where my very plain (but much loved box) will reside, right next to the first piece I completed with David.

 

 

 

I don't know when David will return to NY, but whenever it is, I'll do my best to be there.  BTW, I don't have a link to any of David's work, so I went on a google search.  Came up empty handed, but you wouldn't believe how many David Jacobsons there are in the US who are involved in glass.  If anyone has a link to the CORRECT David Jacobson, kindly let me know.







 



So, Now I Love Glass

HAH! Guess it's time I just accepted that I will always be up for trying new things, and will probably never settle on one art form.  What's the latest?  Glass.  I've always wanted to try my hand at stained glass, but was put off by the supplies and equipment I'd have to invest in just to see if I liked it.
So when my friend Michele announced a stained glass workshop at her studio, in which the teacher (the fabulous David Jacobson) would be supplying EVERYTHING, I jumped at it.  So glad I did.  I loved it.  David is an awesome teacher, and now I know I can cut glass and use a soldering iron.  Neither with any expertise, mind you, but I'm thrilled with what I did.

Here is David teaching.  He's so interesting, has so much knowledge, and a truckload of patience.

 

 

David brought all the tools we needed, lots of glass to choose from, dozens of design books, not one, but two grinders, eye protection for everyone, a variety of glass cutters, gloves, patina, several soldering irons and stands, solder, flux.....you get the idea.....EVERYTHING.

 

 

 





Pat and I goof around with a piece of glass.  We always have a great time.

 

 

 

And we show off our finished pieces.  Yes, we actually went home with a totally completed piece.  Check out Miz Pat.....she didn't use one of the patterns we had to choose from.  She designed her own!  Pretty awesome, if you ask me.

 

 

 

And here is my piece at home, in front of a window.  Not too shabby for an absolute beginner.

 

 

 

The best news.....David will be back (he drove in from Michigan!).  And you can bet that I'll be there.

 

If you have ever thought about trying stained glass, you will not be disappointed by one of David's classes.  Click HERE to join Michele's Meetup group so you'll know when his next class is scheduled.  And check out the rest of the upcoming classes.  Some great teachers are heading to Michele's wonderful studio, Little Bird Creations.