Studies in Powder: Colour, Components and Crackle!

Project Details

Bob just thought he would share with you some images of recent work to let you know where you will be “going” in the workshop, and what type of pieces you will make. As mentioned previously, you will be making bowls that are 5.5 inches in diameter. This will allow you to complete quite a few pieces, and also to have blanks ready to slump at home for those pieces that aren’t quite finished during the workshop.

Style 2                                                             Style 3

You will make three styles of crackled textures. Bob’s original style (Style 1) consists of a layer of iridescent glass, an intermediate layer of different coloured powder that forms the veining, and a backing of yet another colour. These really demonstrate how to work in lots of colour in a piece, and how to work bubble free. The second style (Style 2) consists of a single layer of crackled glass with clear veining. These pieces are delicately thin, amazingly strong. and usually include tack-fused wafers (backed, micro wafers, stuffed wafers, and pate de merde) as a design element. They also have a lovely irregular edge … for those of you tired of incessant cold-working. The third style (Style 3) consists of a single layer of sheet glass, but the veining between the crackle is filled with a solid colour. They are a great way to work with colour blends and chemical reactions. As you can see, Bob has included images of Style 2 and Style 3 pieces — Style 1 didn’t photograph very well and is not included. And although these bowls are only 5.5 inches in diameter,  look at all the neat colours and effects you can create.

OK … now start thinking about how you are going to design your pieces … the designs you can work into wafers, the colours, the possibilities.

Style 3                                                             Style 3