Areas of Study:
Glass: Illuminated Glass
about | illuminated glass
Illuminated glass is the newest discipline of the Studio Glass movement and represents a synergy of all hot glass forms. Combining blown, lampworked and cast glass along with traditional neon tubing work; new forms and expressions are evolving daily. Research into plasma and gas discharge physics has provided effects hitherto unknown. The ability to create a plasma “glow” using virtually any high frequency power source allows work that lights without visible electrical connection (RF generators, DC power supplies, radio oscillators, etc.). The cool operating temperatures of lighted glass also allows mixed media work with myriad possibilities. Wood, paper, resin, fabric, even water elements can be incorporated as well as more durable materials such as metal and clay. Perhaps for the first time we have the opportunity to not “represent” light or require external sources for proper illumination; we incorporate it into the piece itself. A recent show of illuminated glass in Seattle was of note in that for the first time the lights in the gallery were switched off and the works provided their own light.
The inclusion of illuminated glass techniques in the glass program at UT Arlington makes us one of only a few programs in the US with the aforementioned capabilities. We have the most up to date equipment available to produce a wide range of plasma vessels and our continuing research into the possibilities places us on the vanguard in this discipline. Students are encouraged to view illuminated glass as both stand alone art as well as in conjunction with other disciplines in multi-media work.
Faculty
Don Beck, Senior Lecturer
DEGREE PLAN
Download the Art Education degree plan here.