ART 265 - Furnace Glassblowing I

3 Credits, 5 Contact Hours
2 lecture periods 3 lab periods

Introduction to the elements, tools, and basic principles of furnace glassblowing. Includes the glassblowing studio and cold working shop orientation, paperweights and solid glass forms, the blowpipe, cold working glass, a final project, and visual literacy and critical analysis.

Recommendation: Completion of ART 100  before enrolling in this course. If any recommended course is taken, see a financial aid or Veteran’s Affairs advisor to determine funding eligibility as appropriate.
Information: Consent of instructor is required before enrolling in this course. This course requires a substantial special fee through Sonoran Glass School. Please contact the Arts, Communications and Humanities Division at the West Campus (206-6974) for further information.

1. Discuss the basic concept of furnace glassblowing and create elementary solid and blown glass objects.
2. Explain the basic principles and basic steps involved, including proper equipment use and safety precautions.
3. Describe basic tools, equipment and their proper uses, including safe tool use and precautions.
4. Distinguish between and utilize basic coloration techniques.
5. Discuss an overview of related glass art disciplines.
6. Demonstrate basic glass cold working techniques including grinding, polishing, annealing principles and basic glass chemistry.

1. Glassblowing Studio and Cold Working Shop Orientation
   1. Health and safety issues
   2. Tool and equipment uses
   3. Glass material and furnace processes
   4. Teamwork
   5. Sketchbook
2. Paperweights and Solid Glass Forms
   1. Gathering hot glass
   2. Shaping hot glass
   3. Introducing color – forms and safety issues
   4. Application techniques
   5. Molds
3. The Blowpipe
   1. Initial bubble
   2. Second gather
   3. Integration of color techniques/forms
   4. Blown vessels – shape and intent
   5. Glass wraps

1. Cold Working Glass
   1. Grinding
   2. Polishing
   3. Facets
   4. Masking
   5. Sandblasting
   6. Cutting
   7. Annealing
   8. Chemistry
2. Final Project
3. Visual Literacy and Critical Analysis
   1. Individual and group critiques
   2. Varied techniques
   3. Sketchbook
   4. Participation in student art show