Dialogue and compromise: Experimentation with ceramics in glassblowing process

Abstract

This thesis project investigates the methods of implementing ceramics in glassblowing processes. Many practitioners regard ceramics and glass as incompatible materials in glassblowing process, due to difficulty of bringing them together. Main reason behind this incompatibility is the difference in expansion and contraction rates of ceramics and glass, along with thermal shock resistance and durability requirements of this process. Due to nature of this process, this project implemented empirical material research methods in ceramics and developed experimental production processes in glass, while following practice-led design research methodologies.

The material research in ceramics involved with testing and analysing existing clay bodies such as earthenware, porcelain or chamotte mixtures for creating reference data on how ceramics behave in glassblowing process. Utilizing this data, numerous specialized clay bodies developed and experimented in glassblowing process. Two clay body types, which are durable and effective in glassblowing process, developed as a result of this research.

Process in glass studio initiated with testing compatibility and thermal capabilities of the ceramics in glassblowing process. Following the development of durable clay bodies, glass studio activities focussed on design and production of prototypes and artworks with this material combination.

Objects designed and produced during this project aimed to combine ceramics and glass together in a juxtaposition. In my opinion, this combination starts a dialogue among materials, and through this dialogue, each material expresses their individual character in their form and textures, yet compromise their materiality to accommodate the other.

This research is an attempt to bring a new perspective and approach to ceramics and glass design, through material research and process development. Outcomes of this research presents a method for developing clay bodies suitable for utilizing in glassblowing process, along with a collection of objects and artworks displaying the aesthetic and functional possibilities of this material combination.