August 2019 Newsletter
Ongoing projects, classes in the shop, art in the world and more!
Art in the Shop: Custom Lighting In Process
The theme migration is the working principal around this custom lights project for the Flux Arts Building. My challenge is to come up with a color and movement relationship that communicates movement on the static architectural box, which is the Flux Arts Building and the busy street of Lowry. Working from the success of cell forms in the Stern Tryptich (see above middle) I want to express the migration of biology and mechanics.
~ Malcom Potek
Color Sample Detail (Left)
New custom lighting will be inspired by Stern Triptych (middle)
Mounted lights at the Flux Arts Building (right)
Artist in the World: Preston Singletary
A vocation can be a hard road to follow and a call hard to hear, but Preston Singletary has boldly forged a unique artist identity transforming European glass techniques to express his heritage and singular vision of Tlingit lore and craft. "Everybody has a story, everybody comes from somewhere. You have to know your story. Unlocking the freedom in your own life so that you can do the things you're meant to do."
Preston Singletary in his hot shop in Washington (above left); Clan House (2008) is a monumental cast-glass triptych comprising reinterpretations of a densely carved interior house screen suspended between two longhouse posts. Created during his 2008 Visiting Artist Residency at the Museum of Glass, this work is featured in his traveling exhibition Preston Singletary: Echos, Fire, and Shadows (above right).
Upcoming Classes at Potekglass
Kiln Try-iT!
Sat 8.24 | 2pm - 5pm
Simple to start endless in its potential, kiln-forming is to glass what conducting is to instruments. You will explore the foundations of kiln-work: learn to cut patterns out of sheet glass, make frit and work with a variety of glass formats by fusing glass in the kiln to create a glass tile or ring dish.
Italian Soft Glass
Sun 8.25 | 10am - 1pm
In this course, you will learn the basics of gathering up molten glass on the torch and applying it onto a mandrel. Once beads are made you will create stringers and apply surface decoration to beads. Expect to make between 6 and 12 beads depending on working style.
Basics from Boron
Sat 8.24 | 10am - 1pm
Borosilicate glass gets its name from the element boron, which is added as a flux to create an American hard glass. A melt that occurs at a hotter temperature, boro is well suited for sculptural glass endeavors. In this class you will create a small paperweight, smash a gather into an icicle as well as try glass-blowing!
Opportunity to Create & Further Technique for All Levels
Open Torch and Kiln Sessions
1st Monday = 5:00 - 9:00 pm
2nd Saturday = 1:30 - 5:30 pm
3rd Tuesday = 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Malcom Potek will be available for any questions, guidance or reminders you might need while you work. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from a master and work at your own speed on your own project. Malcom will keep a watchful eye while giving you the freedom to explore! Need certification to participate. Not certified? Sign-up for a Try-iT class!
