Sunday, February 1, 2009

Things heating up as temperature soars

It's a wonder I can do a thing in this ghastly heat. Sydney is a fireball at the moment, and I wilt in summer at the best of times. My kingdom for a snowball...

So, um, what's the logical thing to set up in my studio to beat the oppresive temperatures? Of course, you guessed it - a lampworking station.

This will enable me to work glass marbles and beads into my work. I've played with it whenever I've had the opportunity over the last 10 years, but only now will have it in my studio to explore more deeply.

As you might imagine, my beadwork will be rather untraditional. Thus far I have been at work creating molten 'blobs' filled with bubbles and other textures; these look as if they've been unearthed at Pompeii. My partner Irena and daughter Mira are excited to have a hand at it as well.

I'll post next week when I'll get back into the studio for some new work. Now back into a bathtub full of dry ice.

9 comments:

  1. been waiting ever so anxiously for a new post ;)

    Can't wait to see these beauties you speak of!

    How was your teaching classes, hope we can see photos of you in action~

    Does you house not have AC?!

    ~Bella

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  2. WOW cant wait to see your molten works of glass.Look forward to Halls Gap,hope its not to hot
    Jen

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  3. This I must see!!! Are they ready yet? How about now? OK, now?!?!!?

    I'll try to be patient but it won't be easy.

    I'm sending some cool ocean breezes from southern Oregon.

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  4. Ohhh!! I am waiting with baited breath to see what you have made Keith....how was McGregor? I've been thinking of all my friends and family and hoping that they are surviving the heat wave....up here in Central Queensland we are experiencing a cooler time, only 30 degrees or so!
    Peta

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  5. Hello there! I just want to say that it´s great that You finally have a blog! I have been admiring Your work ever since I first saw Your amazing jewelry!It´s great to see a maestro at work!! If the temerature is too hot down under then feel free to visit me in a very snowy and cold winterwonderland in Sweden! I´m a fulltime working mother of three, trying to develop my creative gifts, (in the wee hours!)My blog is very "romantic" at the moment but I have a thing for steampunk and stuff like Yours and DeMengs. Perhaps I have a split personality?!
    anyway...great to have a place to go for some serious inspiration!

    thanks
    Liisa

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  6. Thanks, all of you, for the encouraging comments! I picked up my kiln today, completing my equipment list. Next week will have me in studio melting some glass... Stay tuned.

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  7. I just discovered you have a blog too from your web site! Yaaay! Looking forward to reading what's next!

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  8. Hey Keith-
    It's 33 degrees F here in Michigan with snow on the way. But I would rather have cold than heat so I get that.
    Always great to see your work. I will check back.

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  9. As a long time aficionado of hand blown glass, I look forward to seeing glass incorporated into your pieces.

    I recently saw an exhibit of Lino Tagliapietra's work and was blown away. The same way your work puts a whole new meaning and twist to assemblage art, he does it with glass.

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