Live Broadcasts from Corning

Yesterday, I was delighted to watch some of Loren Stump's live stream from Corning.  He was working on a set up for a paperweight and it was *almost* as good as being there.  Nothing equals being in the same room with a teacher.

So next Wednesday from 11-12 Eastern, I'm planning on heading back again to Corning's UStream Channel.  Lucio Bubacco and Paul Stankard will be live then.  (And teaching that class that I really wanted to be in!)  So click here for the days and times, as well as the archived streaming.  It would be fun if more teaching studios did this.

See you tomorrow.  www.studiomarcy.blogspot.com

Flowers and Angels in Glass at Corning- *sigh*

Corning has a class this winter that I am drooling over...Paul Stankard and Lucio Bubacco in one class.

It's called Fiori e Angeli (Flowers and Angels) where you do the components with the masters and then put them into a paperweight.  Oh my...it is making me crazy trying to figure out how to get there.

If you are in the mood to drool too, or to check out some of the other wonderful classes that Corning offers, click here.

Graceful Hands in Glass

One of the many items that my teacher, Lucio Bubacco demonstrated, (or as he said, "do a performance"), were tiny little graceful hands made from glass.

The size of the hand itself, is about the same as the first joint of my pinky finger.

So you can imagine my awe in watching him not only sculpt this marvelous little treasure, but to do it with a large rod of glass. For you glass folks, this isn't our usual size that we buy in the States, but the thicker ones that are more available in Italy. Geesh!

Needless to say, practicing this was high on my agenda, and to be honest, high on my "not yet achieved" list too. My glass hands looked more like they were from some Zombie B Movie, than one owned by a prima ballerina. But they will remain on my list until I am more satisfied with how they turn out. I know the age old "practice, practice, practice, will bring my desired results....eventually.

International Flameworkers Conference

The 10th International Flameworking Conference was held in NJ last weekend and it was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!

Pictured here, is Lucio Bubacco as he was lampworking an angel which eventually held a paperweight, (in honor of Paul Stankard). It was part of a large piece that had been brought from Italy for the occasion.

Other fabulous demonstrators included the delightful Paul Stankard, Robert Mickelsen, Kari Russell-Pool, Cesare Toffalo, Ginny Ruffner, Loren Stump, Carmen Lozar and Shane Fero.

I have to say, I thought I had died and gone to glass heaven with all of them there and talking and showing their art. And the rest of the audience was PDC too. (pretty darn cool) I met a lot of other flameworkers, some gallery owners and folks who specialize in other styles of glass as well. The students from Salem Community College in the glass department were awesome as well. The did demos in the Hot Shop, on the lathe and at torches.

Some of my personal highlights? Well there were so many and I know I'll accidentally leave some out..watching Lucio work with amazing speed and finesse. It was almost like watching a magician and Emilio Santini's explanation and chat about it while it was done. Cesare Toffalo's use of gold leaf with boro- lip smacking gorgeous, Paul Stankard's paperweight and conversation with Lucio while both working side by side. Ginny Ruffner's presentation...I want to be like her when I grow up. Her creative mind is astounding...of course there was Loren's drop shaped paperweight made out of boro as part of a collaboration with Carmen Lozar whose work I love. Kari Russell-Pool mixes her own canes and colors and creates intricately beautiful large pieces. And I could keep going. Each artist brought something different and exquisite to the table.

For me, I have a notebook full of quotes, little notes and dreams. Not only to return each year, but to try these hints and tips that I picked up while watching. As I try them, (after my upcoming trip) I'll let you know how they turned out. I think I must have gathered a couple of month's worth, at least.

See you tomorrow!