How are Kiln Formed Glass Objects
made?
Fused and Kiln Formed glass are general terms used to describe glass that has
been formed, manipulated and shaped in a glass kiln.
Fused glass is similar to baking glass. Glass pieces are cut and arranged by
hand, then slowly heated in a kiln over a period of several hours. At temperatures
between 1400 and 1500 degrees F (760 – 840 degrees C), glass softens to
a honey-like consistency and the separate pieces of glass liquefy and fuse together
into a single piece of glass. When the glass has reached the state desired by
the artist, the kiln is shut off, and annealing begins. Annealing is the slow
cooling of the glass to prevent the presence of internal stress (which can lead
to bubbles, cracks, or fractures).
Once the glass has returned to room temperature, slumping is begun. Slumping
is the shaping of flat planes of glass into various forms. The glass is suspended
over a prepared mold made of stainless steel or stoneware and slowly heated.
As the glass reaches internal temperatures in the 1200 to 1350 degree F range
(650 – 730 degrees C), the glass becomes soft, similar in consistency
to taffy. The glass stretches and sags over the mold. As it reaches its desired
shape, the kiln is shut down and annealing begins.
Artist’s
Remarks:
“Fusing is a challenging form of expression because it involves the creative
process along with the scientific control needed to manipulate an uncooperative
material. I continue to experiment with different types of glass, molds and
special effects. I see my work as constantly evolving as I discover new and
unusual techniques, including the occasional happy mistake.”
About the Artist:
Nancy Bonig was born and raised in the Washington D.C. area. She received a
bachelor of science in Apparel Design from Virginia Tech. . She began kiln-working
glass in 1998. She moved to Colorado in 1975 in search of a more peaceful and
natural environment. She resides in Monument, Colorado.
Copyright (C) 2024 - Nancy
Bonig
No content, photographs or designs may be used without permission