Glassblowing
Glassblown Lampshades Process, 2024. The creation of my glassblown lampshades began with gathering molten glass onto a blowpipe from a furnace. I shaped the initial gather by rolling it on a steel marver to achieve a smooth and uniform surface. Using colored glass frit, I added unique patterns—a green swirl for one shade and vibrant orange for the other. The molten glass was reheated to maintain pliability and expanded through controlled blowing and rotation. Wooden molds and specialized tools like jacks and paddles helped refine the shape and edges. Once the desired form was achieved, the lampshades were transferred to an annealing kiln to cool slowly, ensuring structural integrity. This process was an engaging exploration of craftsmanship and material, and I look forward to integrating these shades into my lighting design coursework.