I am wondering if it is possible to take a DIY approach to learning glassblowing. Specifically, if the use of low temperature soda lime glass and some homemade melting gear / tools would allow me to start down this path on my own.
Background: I am fascinated by hot glass, yet I live in an area where there simply is no opportunity to take an introductory glassblowing class/course. I am literally hundred of miles from the nearest site to take a class. Thus I am wondering if it is possible to teach yourself (hands on - figuratively, of course) the basics of glassblowing. I have read the Beginner and Advanced Glassblowing books by Schmid, so I have some ‘book-learnin’ on the subject, but I have never tried to blow hot glass.
I know it is best to learn from someone else, but since this isn’t an option, I am wondering if there is any way to start the learning process on my own. Any pointers or links to online info sources would be appreciated.
Thanks
WordsNWood2010-09-24T14:56:47Z
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I suppose it's possible to learn on your own, but I think it would be quite difficult. I'm in my second semester of glass at college, and I can't imagine all the mistakes I would make without even knowing that I was making mistakes, if I didn't have an instructor. Schmid's books are excellent, and will be very helpful to you, but there is no substitute for watching someone who knows what they're doing model correct procedure for you, and then having that person watch you and make corrections/suggestions for your technique. The other hurdle is going to be the equipment. Even with a lot of homemade stuff, you will likely be into the thousands of dollars to properly equip your studio. If you go that route, please read as extensively as possible about studio setup and potential dangers. Schmid talks about it some in his books, but he frequently says something like "talk to the experienced people in your shop" about dangerous processes, which wouldn't be an option for you if you're flying solo. Have you considered lampworking? It's really small scale compared to glassblowing, but it's much more affordable to get into, and you can do some truly amazing stuff. There are even little blowpipes for glassblowing in the lampworking environment (made by Steinert Industries). If you're interested, check out Paul Stankard, who is possibly the greatest lampworker alive. At any rate, it would be a more accessible starting point, and would give you some experience working with hot glass, so you could see how much you like it. Good luck to you. Even though I'm just starting out, glassblowing is a blast. I hope you are able to find a path to pursuing it.
You can teach yourself almost anything with enough time and effort. Glassblowing is no exception. You will probably go through a lot of "experiments" that are unsuccessful, as you practice the technique, but if you can find videos to show you some examples, you will learn a bit faster.
I have seen DVDs on glass blowing on the Internet art supplyers. Glass blowing was invented long ago with lots of trial and error. But glass blowing can be self-taught.
You might consider taking a vacation to go learn the beginnings with a professional, then take it from there yourself. Dale Chihohly (pronounced Chi-loo-ly, don't ask) is the top glass blower in the US, and occasionally teaches a class. But you could do lots of Internet searches for glass blowers. If you can find the DVD of Dale Chihohly on Public TV stations in the US you could see his house boat that he did in Seattle, and lots of his other work.
There are several types of glass blowing, so search books, too. See if you can find some books for sale on http://www.albris.com