Masterclass: Advanced Pattern Making in Glass – Ian Chadwick
Course Outline
Master advanced pattern making in fused glass on this intensive five-day workshop with renowned glass artist Ian Chadwick. Using pre-formed Bullseye glass stringer sheets, expand your knowledge and experience of both kiln-forming and cold-working techniques, to produce intricate, mandala-like patterns using symmetry and geometry.
Ian will guide you through the process of creating Bullseye glass stringer sheets which, once fired, will be deconstructed and reassembled. Learn how the arrangement of tone and colour can enhance the optical properties of the pattern design and how to lay out the pattern using the principles of four-fold and eight-fold symmetry. Using these concepts and techniques, design and create a glass tile or dish with a pattern uniquely yours. At the end of the week Ian will introduce you to his latest hand cold-working techniques for finishing fired glass work.
Embark on a fascinating journey of symmetry, geometry, and creativity in glasswork design.
Participants should ideally be of an intermediate level as accurate hand cutting of glass is fundamental to this class, although techniques to improve your cutting, and ultimately your confidence, will be covered.
Course Tutor - Ian Chadwick
Ian Chadwick has a background in sculpture and stained-glass window design, disciplines which he applies to his constantly evolving range of kiln-formed glass art. Glass as a medium is inspirational due to its abilities to transform light. The glass Ian produces is all created within a kiln. The kiln-forming technique of working glass involves constructing and deconstructing of glass elements to produce the end result. It is a deliberate, laborious technique where the glass is worked in its cold state and the end product is achieved by applying precision and patience.
Ian’s current range of work is deeply concerned with pattern building. Small pieces of coloured glass are arranged and melted in a kiln to produce a sheet of kaleidoscopic, coloured glass which is then formed to the desired shape. This work embodies Ian’s interest in the esoteric art of sacred geometry, commonly found in the rose windows of cathedrals and the mandalas of eastern religious lore.