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Glass Explorations II
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 03:38PM While contemplating the word encasement, I explored some new glass powder work this summer.
Unintentionally, my concept was very similar to an assignment that I gave my students last year. The assignment (to paint a distorted self-portrait by basing the composition on a scanned/xeroxed facial print) was a blessing for some students who flourished with the 'chiaroscuro' demands of the project. However, the assignment proved to be challenging for others, who were left feeling disillusioned, which for me as an art educator is never ok.
quick sketch of idea as I saw it in my mind
actual xerox of my face
xerox of my face
11"x 11" layered glass tile made with glass powders entitled ENCASED by marisol diaz
When working with glass powders, your initial drawing is very forgiving since the dry powders can simply be wiped (or blown) away until you fire it. However if you're working to create strong blacks it can be challenging since the material that you're working with is transparent and will also be reflective (it is glass) - thats why we use light tables during the process. Once the glass is fired your options become very limited since you can only add material and re-fire. For this piece I combined both picture references of my face to create a new composition that included my hand. After the piece was fired I re-fired it with a layer of clear glass on top. The thickness and depth that created is difficult to see in the above shot. That clear glass layer also really helped 'encase' the piece. In addition, it made more sense why this piece was made out of glass as opposed to a drawing or a painting. I love sharing these explorations with you all!
drawing with glass, glass, glass illustration, glass powder, marisol diaz in Art, Glass, Illustration
Reader Comments (2)
I love what you did or how you transformed the xerox...the final glass piece for some reason reminds me of the caravaggio painting of medusa....that trapped sense, also pain but power at the same time. excellent work, can't wait to see more.
In the final piece your face and hand look almost child like, I love it. I actually also really like the quick sketch.