Turn Up the Heat: Glassblowing Demonstrations
Blowfish Glass is hosting a series of glassblowing demonstrations by a range of talented artists across two days of the upcoming International Festival of Glass: Friday, 23rd August and Saturday, 24th August.
Each demonstration lasts 1.5 hours. Expect to be amazed by the range of styles and techniques, including Hot Sculpting, Flameworking, Kiln-formed experimentation, mouth-blown sheet glass, and more! Read on for the full programme
Friday 23rd August
The Art of Mould Blowing - Jo Guile and Elliot Walker, RCA Graduate Demonstration - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Elevate your perception of glass art with Jo Guile's groundbreaking collaboration with master glassmaker Elliot Walker. Witness the transformation of road surfaces into mesmerising sculptures through a fusion of glassblowing and mould-making techniques. Each piece is meticulously cold-worked, mirrored, and presented on a sleek stainless steel backing plate, reflecting Jo's ingenuity and precision in design.
Thank you to the Glass Manufacturers Education Trust for sponsoring this demonstration.
Making Texture With Molten Glass - Katherine Huskie - 11:45 am-1:15 pm
Witness the magic of glassblowing with renowned artist Katherine Huskie! Inspired by nature and sea forms, Katherine crafts beautiful and engaging glass objects. Join us for a live demonstration and witness her innovative techniques first-hand as she creates intricate patterns in her captivating pieces.
Glass Sculpting Intricate Components - Elliot Walker - 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Witness the work of Elliot Walker, an esteemed glass artist and the winner of Blown Away Season 2; Elliot will meticulously craft intricate and detailed components, showcasing his expertise and craftsmanship in glass sculpting.
Hot Sculpting Components, Art meets science with Sacha Delabre - 3:15 pm -3: 45 pm
Discover the fascinating fusion of Science and Art at Sacha Delabre's demonstration, who is also an exhibiting artist in our Fifteen x Fifteen Exhibition. Be captivated by the creation of a colourful and translucent triagonal planar glass molecule, a dynamic portrayal of molecular structures. Sacha's work not only showcases the beauty of science but also sparks curiosity and creativity. Thank you to Cathryn Shilling for sponsoring this demonstration.
Glass to canvas - Bethany Wood - 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Experience the creative world of Bethany Wood, the founder of Blowfish Glass UK and a renowned glass artist. Bethany will unveil a brand new collection inspired by the dynamic application of oil to canvas using a palette knife. Join us for a captivating demonstration where Bethany collaborates with five talented students/graduates, injecting a fast-paced energy into the artistic process.
Thank you to Carolyn Jones for Sponsoring this demonstration.
Saturday 24th August
Flameworking onto Hot glass - Kayleigh Young - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Get your seated tickets now to experience the unique glass decoration technique of artist Kayleigh Young, as she layers flameworked flowers and vines onto the sculpture's surface, adding depth to her conceptual pieces. Watch the magic of hot sculpting and flameworking in action!
Thank you to Councillor Cat Eccles for sponsoring this demonstration.
Kiln-formed Panel Roll Up - Ian Chadwick - 11:45 am - 1:15 pm
Experience the magic of this inaugural collaboration between kiln-formed glass artist Ian Chadwick and glass sculptor Elliot Walker! Watch as geometric patterned panels are transformed into blown forms, which proves to be an action-packed demonstration. Don't miss the chance to witness these creative geniuses at work!
Traditional Cylinder Mouth Blown Sheet Glass - Laura Atkinson & Elliot Walker - 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Join artists Laura Atkinson and Elliot Walker for a special demonstration of traditional cylinder flat glassmaking at Blowfish Glass, hosted at our studio based at the historic Red House Cone. Explore the technique of crafting mouth-blown sheet glass as they delve into the preservation and evolution of this centuries-old technique for specialised applications. Witness the time-honoured method of creating mouth-blown window glass, a testament to craftsmanship and heritage. In light of Mouth-blown sheet glassmaking being added to Heritage Crafts Association's Red List of Endangered Crafts, this is an amazing opportunity to witness this craft being revived.
Thank you to Heritage Crafts Association for their sponsorship of this demonstration.
Combining Vitrograph with Glassblowing Techniques - Balázs Telegdi - 3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
Embark on a mesmerising journey into the world of glass art with Hungarian artist Balázs Telegdi! Join us for a captivating demonstration where Balázs skillfully combines a Vitrograph in the hot shop with glassblowing techniques. Delve into the artist's unique approach, drawing inspiration from the inherent qualities of glass and engaging in a dynamic conversation with the material. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the magic of glass through Balázs' visionary creations.
Booking link coming soon!