The allure of the hand made and self design.
In my Journal I mentioned an exhibition I had seen at Object Gallery. I thought the approach the organisers had used was effective in achieving wide exposure for the process. I would like to do the same for the vitraglyphic process as it brings together 2 magical transformative processes. 3D printing and glass.
All crafts have an air of transformation about them. A base material through the hand of the crafter magically becomes something far more. The viewer is often found transfixed watching the process taking place.The aura is well deserved for the skill takes some getting. Unlike other skills though I think the fascination and appreciation is so great because the change is visual, extreme and elemental.
Recently I was TA (technical assistant) for a weekend flame working course. 12 people from different backgrounds came together because they all had a fascination with glass. Apart from one school girl all participants were over 40 and all expressed a long held attraction to the material. What took so long? I think for a split second until I remember how long it took me to be confident enough to say "this is what I want". The aura of the material can perhaps put people off from trying it out.
So I would like to offer the opportunity to work with glass and 3D Printing to people who might not get the chance to do so, who may miss out on the material love of their life because it's not accessible. I do not think that the magic is stripped away from the process from over exposure, rather it is enhanced. Creativity is renewed and refreshed.
Proposal outline
A specific demographic of community is chosen.
This could be geographic, by interest, age, situation.An invitation for participation is released through different media.
Individuals / groups register interest in participating.
Registered participants are introduced to each other
by a work shop that could be face to face, online or skyped.
The software is introduced, as is the material and design brief.
Participants use CAD to design a 3D object
Assistance is available on line / email from each other and group coordinator
Community & Learning
Internet technology can be used for keeping in touch and
May be other workshops can be organised that are based around learning the new skills
Outcome
Designs are printed with the vitraglyphic process.
The collection can tour for a while before being permanently displayed in a suitable location that suits the group's demographic.
A group of people gain new skills
Vitraglyphy is introduced to new makers
The vitraglyphic process is exposed to the general public
