A New Perspective to Glass

     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.