Jewelry companies such as Pandora and Chamlia have changed
the way in which most people look at glass artifacts. The demand for these
unique, colorful charms is as high as ever, as glass beads make the perfect
gift for any jewelry wearer. Purchasing these beads can be as easy as a drive
to the mall and a swipe of a credit card but the process of making one is so
much more demanding. The use of glass has been an essential form of art dating
all the way back to the Phoecian rituals in 50 BC. Though the process then was
probably a great deal more extensive, the principles have been carried on.
Corning, Ny is
known for their rise in production during the glass industry that earned them
the name of the “Crystal City”. In honor of the notorious Corning Glass Works
company’s 100
th anniversary, the city opened the Corning Museum of
Glass. According to the
CMOG website, “The story of glass is a story
about art, history, culture, technology, science, craft and design. And we tell
that story at The Corning Museum of Glass.” Whether you are a history buff or
just a casual tourist, the Corning Museum is a unique experience of art
appreciation through many different forms. With galleries of ancient glass
artifacts and contemporary pieces, live artist demonstrations, and a workshop
offer a variety of do it yourself creations, this museum is a must-see.
For the
creative visitors, there are about a dozen different craft options that feature a hands-on experience at the museum. They range
from $12 - $29 depending on what you would like to do. To sandblast a bowl
($12) you are given the glass bowl and then you sandblast the design on it.
This is the only project that can be taken home immediately after completion. All
other projects must be annealed overnight. This is a process of slowly cooling
a completed object in a furnace. This is an integral part of glass- making
because if a hot glass object is allowed to cool too quickly, it will be highly
strained by the time it reaches room temperature and may break, either as it
cools or at some later date. Denise, a recent visitor and amateur participator, describes the experience, “Because of this process, Corning must send your creation home to
you at a later time. The sun catcher, clock and picture frames seem to be
projects that are assembled with materials already made. Glass blowing an ornament,
sculpture, vase, bead or pendants are all projects where a glass blower is by
your side the entire time.”
Q: Describe your impression of the Corning Museum using the
point of view of someone not talented in art.
A: I would describe the art museum as having amazing
creations done in glass that makes the mind wonder how do they do it? The large
pieces are so delicate that you almost want to hold your breath when walking
by. It is three-dimensional art with
color and texture that is very beautiful. Unlike usual art museums all of the
showcases are made entirely of glass, some of which are so incredible you doubt
their credibility.
Q: So, would you consider the full experience to be much
worth the cost?
A: I think that it is a wonderful experience to create your
own souvenir so to speak. How many of us have purchased a shot glass or spoon
as a memento from a place on vacation? This is a piece of art that you create
and is yours to cherish and remind you of the experience. The prices vary
enough so you don’t have to invest a lot of money to have a special keepsake.
The experience was unlike something I have ever done, or expected to do before,
so the small donation that is required was not even a burden.
Q: Why did you make a bead as opposed to other glass art
options?
A: I chose a bead for a couple of reasons. I didn’t really
want another item that would sit on a shelf along side of seashells and cachkies
from my past trips. I thought making something that I could wear would be a
good way to have a reminder of my trip to Corning and I get to wear something
that is fashionable. The glass beads found on bracelets, earrings, and
necklaces in the style of Pandora and other companies are similar to the bead I
made at Corning.
Q: Do you remember the safety precautions? And would you be
able to describe the craft/stove environment?
A: There is a definite nervousness that comes over you as
they hand out the "safety wear” which includes goggles, gloves, and an asbestos
apron. You listen intently to the instructor talk about the intense heat of the
flame and how hot the glass pipette will get as you are actively working with the
glass. In the mean time, you’re sitting next to this fired up kiln that adds a
little danger to the whole environment.
Q: Do you remember the whole process?
A: I remember being in a work area with 3 other prospective
glass blowers. We all got to choose what colors we wanted in our bead as well
as the affect we wanted for a design. The options were clear, cloudy, solid, or
marbled choices to decide upon before starting. Once we had an idea in mind it
was time to fire up the heat source. I held a tool in one hand that held
the bead as it was being created. It had to constantly be rotating between
your fingers while you controlled the glass pipette in your other hand, melting the glass and smoothing it into shape. I had a
blend of 2 different blues marbling over clear. You work each color
separately as to layer them into a large lifesaver candy shape.
Q: Was it difficult, enjoyable, tedious, or a mixture of all?
A: It was a little nerve racking because you feel the
intensity of the flame as you work. You need to coordinate turning the bead and applying the melting glass. The instructor was very patient and calm as she
guided me through the steps to create the piece I wanted. Knowing she was there
was enough to make me relax enough to enjoy the ride. Bottom line, I thought the
experience was just a lot of fun and so different from any other crafting I have done.
Q: Who would you recommend this activity to?
A: Although many of the projects at Corning are supposed to
be for all ages, this particular one is for 10 years old and up. Personally, I
don’t think I’d let a small child do this one since there are much more appropriate
projects for kids. It’s not surprising that there were only women signed up to
make a bead, but many boys and girls of different ages were completing other easier activities.
Q: Were you/are you satisfied with the outcome considering
the difficulty that it actually takes?
A: Yes, I was very satisfied with my finished work. It came
out as I had imagined it and I would do it again. I remember liking the bead
and then they asked us to fill out an address label. I realized I wasn’t taking
it home with me because it had to be annealed. But then receiving in the mail a
few weeks late was like a little surprise present.
Q: Do you or does someone else wear this bead?
A: I proudly wear my bead, which arrived safely through the
mail on a long string. At some point I would like to get a chain to hang it on
my neck or wrist. I have a Pandora bracelet but the center of the bead is not
quite big enough to fit onto the bracelet.
Q: Why is the process so much more meaningful than just
buying a glass bead from a popular jewelry store?
A: It is so much more personal having it be your own
creation. You choose the colors and the design making it a one of a kind bead.
The jewelry companies cannot proclaim a one-of-a-kind bead because they
mass-produce these glass beads everyday. It also solidifies a memorable event
that was fun and something you would want to do again. Incidentally, there is a whole gift store for
those who just want to shop and not take the time to make a personalized piece
of glass.
