Duration

10am - 4:30pm (6.5 hours) over 4 consecutive days
26 hours total

Starting Friday 20th, Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd & Monday 23rd

Requirements

Must be 14+ years old.
Ages 14 & 15 must be accompanied by an adult

Check out our other dates and glass workshops at amokuraglass.com

About the workshop

In this class, you will explore nature inspired sculpture through solid sculpting with borosilicate glass. Under the guidance of Elizabeth Welch, you will learn all the essential fundamentals of detailed sculpting techniques, including heat control, colour application, bit work, welding, bridging, and accenting. The goal of this workshop is to deepen your understanding of glass behaviour and equip you with the skills to apply these techniques to your own artistic creations.

Demonstrations will include a variety of marine life sculptures, followed by hands-on learning and open discussions designed to help you refine your techniques and bring your sculptures to the next level.

Day 1 - Components and Foundations

• Introduction to techniques and project overview
• Creating component pieces such as whales, dolphins, sharks, reeds and coral
• Focus on shaping, proportion, and controlled sculpting

Day 2 - Assembly and Framing

• Bridging and creating frame (approx 10cm x 10 cm) using the hand torch
• Adding elements such and leaves and flowers to enhance your frame
• Continued refinement of component work

Day 3 - Land and Air Forms

• Creating lizards and birds in colours of your choice
• Elizabeth will demo making an octopus sculpture
• Continue component work

Day 4 - Final Assembly and Presentation

• Final Bridging and frame assembly, annealing and finishing work
• Presentation of Elizabeth's work and display of student creations

About the Artist

Visiting glass artist from the UK, Elizabeth Welch aims to bring a sense of realism to her Lampworked glass sculpture. Through her intricate and detailed sculptures, Elizabeth Welch has established herself creating stunning pieces that capture the fleeting beauty and essence of various animals.

Elizabeth’s artistic vision is enriched by the legacy of glassmaking. Combining classical methods and the vibrancy of modern glass art, it infuses her work with a sense of tradition with contemporary flair. This blend of influences not only defines the uniqueness of her creations but also reflects her commitment to honouring the heritage craft of lampworking while exploring its potential for innovation and expression.

Objective

Students will learn shop safety, be introduced to the flameworking shop, tools, materials and techniques used in flameworking. Students will have the opportunity to apply those skills to create their very own using the techniques to shape and manipulate the glass. All glass creations are the student's to keep at the end of the class.

Note: glass needs to cool down slowly in the kiln overnight and will be available for pickup the following day. We can organise to post you your projects at an additional fee if required

Prerequisites

No previous experience in glass or flame working required, class is open to all interested parties. Ages 14+
All levels welcome, though some glass experience would be beneficial to students. Students should have a basic understanding of flameworking, how to operate a torch, and the use of hand tools. This class is an ideal follow-on from the 2-day Introduction to Flamework Sculpture course, but not required.

Materials & Supplies

All required materials and tools to complete the projects will be provided by the studio and included in the course fees. Students are asked to wear cotton or natural material clothing, long pants, and close toed shoes. Please bring a water bottle, and snacks/lunch to keep energy levels up!