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About - Aperture Pours |
The fundamental technique employed in the creation of these pieces is typically referred to as an aperture pour (pot melt). Essentially, a selection of glass pieces is collected in a terra cotta pot which is supported above a shelf in a kiln, and which is then heated to approx 1700 deg. F. The glass "oozes" through an opening in the bottom of the pot and puddles on the shelf beneath. Amongst a variety of other process variables, the results depend on the glass selection and how it is staged in the pot. With luck, the puddle will show great visual texture. For most of my works, the resulting puddle is then cut into several dozen 1" square tiles which are then reassembled to create a subtle but colorful "canvas". Upon this background, I have improvised (for wall-hung pieces) with the inclusion of simple frosted (sandblasted) images, to provide a focus to the piece and to invite closer examination of the melt. One of the most skilled and successful practitioners of this technique is Steve Immerman of Clearwater Glass Studios in Eau Claire WI. Steve's day (night?) job is as an oncologic surgeon (YouTube interview at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD__t8GGVbI). More detailed discussion of the technique can be found on Steve's site http://www.clearwaterglass.com/ (tab "Tutorials" / "Aperture Pours"). Illustrations of Steve's work incorporating this technique can be seen at "Glass Art Images" / "Meridian", "Axxcept" and others. |