Book Description

Kiln Forming Glass captures the excitement of working with glass and explains the techniques involved in this stimulating sphere of glass making. It discusses numerous aspects of this exciting and absorbing method of working. This practical instruction is accompanied by striking visual images of kiln formed glass by established glass artists, as well as unique snapshots of some of their own making processes. Topics covered include: *Technical aspects of glass - its physical characteristics, compatibility and annealing issues *Materials and equipment - a look at the wide array of glass materials and tools available *Detailed analysis of techniques - fusing, slumping, kiln casting and pâte de verre *Step-by-step guides to completing projects with practical information and firing guides *An in-depth look at the lost wax technique for kiln casting glass *Further and more advanced kiln forming methods to extend creativity and skills AUTHOR: Helga Watkins-Baker is a practicing glass artist. She trained in architectural stained glass, undertook postgraduate studies in kiln techniques for glass at Central St Martin's College, London, and an MA in Glass at Wolverhampton University, specializing in kiln forming. She has served as chairperson of the Contemporary Glass Society, curated major exhibitions of South-West England glass makers and also worked as a freelance glass consultant. She has completed numerous private and public commissions in glass. In 200 she co-founded the Liquid Glass Centre in Wiltshire, where she continues to teach kiln techniques for glass. It has been her experience of teaching kiln forming to many new and established glass devotees which has provided the inspiration for this book. SELLING POINTS: *Captures the excitement of working with glass and explains the techniques involved in this stimulating sphere of glass making. *Written for both novice and the more experienced glass maker, it provides a comprehensive analysis of the processes involved, as well as practical projects to undertake and technical information about firing glass in a kiln. *A discussion of the technical aspects of glass-its physical characteristics, compatibility and annealing issues *Materials and equipment - a look at the wide array of glass materials and tools available *Detailed analysis of techniques-fusing, slumping, kiln casting and pate de verre ILLUSTRATIONS 250 photographs