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Warm
Glass by
Philippa Beveridge, Ignasi Domenesh & Eva Pascual The curriculum vitae of the authors establish that they are uniquely qualified to write a book on warm glass. As working artists, curators, historians, researchers and teachers, they bring a comprehensive approach to the topic. Their scholarly background is evident in the quality of writing and thorough coverage of the topic. Never-the-less, this book is very readable, and the information is presented in a manner that will be appreciated by the hobby crafter, as well as the professional artist. There is such an incredible wealth of information in Warm Glass, that one hardly knows where to begin a description. The opening chapter gives an overview of the fascinating history of glass. Next, a detailed, orderly progression of material covers everything you need to know about warm glass; fusing, slumping and casting. A cogent explanation of the nature of glass and its properties leads to a discussion of the materials, tools and equipment used to manipulate and form glass. Preliminary considerations, such as compatibility, firing, devitrification, cleaning, cutting and making a prototype, are covered in detail. The next part of the book covers the processes of fusing, slumping - thermoforming, and casting. Included are discussions of full fuse, tack fusing and the intricacies of temperature - firing and cooling times, inclusions, free fall -draping, finishes, making ground glass and Pate de Verre - glass paste. I particularly like the step-by-step exercises; including a fused lighted panel, a fused slumped bowl with inclusions, a draped vase of mosaic glass, and a centerpiece using Pate de Verre and slumping. The instructions are clear and very well illustrated. The final chapter is a gallery of fascinating pieces made by the processes described in the book. A glossary of terms, index and bibliography complete this very informative book. I heartily recommend Warm Glass to anyone contemplating doing kiln-forming glass processes. Not only is it an excellent reference text, but it is also a beautifully illustrated, inspiring book. I wish I had owned Warm Glass when I began fusing and slumping glass. The information would have prevented several costly mistakes on my part, and would have filled in countless gaps in the instruction that I received. Review by Diana Norris |
