Blown Glass Art
Hand-blown glass is one of the oldest forms of artistic glass making, and The Russian Store is proud to have a unique collection of Russian art glass... From whimsical royal glass scepters to cute green glass frogs to colorful exotic glass fish, The Russian Store has an exciting ensemble of hand-blown glass artworks. All of our art glass comes directly from the highly skilled artists in Russia. The process of hand-blowing glass is a complicated one, however we simplified the basic process for your reading pleasure.
The basic techniques of sculpting and blowing glass include forming the glass into a ball on the end of a rod, flattening the heated end of the glass rod, welding it, and working with glass tubes. The artist starts with a table covered in asbestos or other similar refractory material. In the middle of the table there is a burner with a hoses attached for compressed oxygen. The inner workings of the glass-blowing burner regulates the flow of gas, air and oxygen. Then, dioxide, oxygen and air are mixed and passed through a cylindrical mesh inside the burner. Terminal screws can adjust the burner in vertical and horizontal positions.
The glass blower uses a blowpipe or blow tube to make a bubble in the heated glass, and then uses torch tools in various shapes like circular, wide, or flat, to help him mold a beautiful piece. Regular scissors can cut through hot glass, and a triangular copper spatula on wooden handles are used to expand funnels, supports vessels, and align the cavities and edges inside. The glass is manipulated and changed by the air through the blowpipe, and colors are slowly added. Once the piece is complete, it slowly cools down at room temperature. Embellishments can be added on, and cutting, sandblasting, etching, enameling, gilding, and painting can all used to enhance the finished product.
The high levels of heat that are necessary to melt glass cause an intense light within the glass itself. Safety goggles are always worn to protect the eyes and to allow you to see the bubbles being formed in the glass. Ventilation is also extremely important in this field, so the glassmith, or gaffer requires a professional work space.
Hand-blown glass has been around for centuries, most likely discovered around 50 B.C. At the time it was considered a luxury and owned by the wealthiest of patrons. Today glass-blowing can be found in many schools and can be seen by the public at demonstration events. Glass art can be functional or decorative. It generally takes a lot of practice to become a professional. It is a complex procedure with beautiful results. Enjoy your own unique art glass from The Russian Store. Click here to read our blog and see gaffers at work!
Love glass things? Check out these large Russian Glass Vases. And browse our selection of glass Christmas ornaments. Many styles to choose from and truly unique hand-blown, hand-painted pieces! Also, be sure to check out our vast selection of glass figurines. We have a glass animal figurine for everyone! They make perfect gifts and can be used as paperweights or for decoration!
