Comments for Bernard Katz Glass

Comment on When Craft becomes Art by Bernard Katz

Bernard Katz — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 16:55:20 +0000

In reply to Greg Hinton. Thank you for your inspirational comment. I agree, blowing glass is very expensive and acquiring the desired skills can be challenging... Sometimes limitations can be the mother of invention.

Comment on When Craft becomes Art by Greg Hinton

Greg Hinton — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 03:22:10 +0000

In the area that I live in, Akron, Ohio, about 7 or 8 years ago I finally found some local glass studios that offered workshops. I was thrilled to be able to finally try blowing glass, something that I had wanted to do for decades.
Now, after so many years I still love to work the glass, play with the colors and try new things. Unfortunately, due to the fact that it is costly and as to develop any skills takes time and in this case money. If given the chance I know what I need to do is to be able to work consistently, to hone the basics and move on.
The question of whether what I do is art or a craft is a no brainer. With me, it is obviously a craft that I would so much love to turn into art. Some pieces everything seems to click or I guess I should say, almost everything.
Due to the internet I have been able to meet people from all over the world and some have seen my better pieces and I have made gifts of them and in some cases even been able to sell some. So I have glass, not only coast to coast but even a few pieces in Europe. A thrill to me but not so much as to give me a fat head over it.
I wish that my crafting would develop more towards the art side of the line and I would be able to sell enough to feed my desire to be able to work more. I wish….that I could make a home studio so I could work more often but so far….it hasn’t happened but I haven’t totally given up on the dream.
Thank you for the article explaining art vs craft it is as I believe. Mentally I have a good idea as to what needs to be done but lack the technique that I believe comes only from consistent work. Maybe, just maybe some day but till then I will enjoy the hobby.

Comment on Avelino Contemporary Glass Sculpture in cinnamon by Bernard Katz

Bernard Katz — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 17:07:58 +0000

In reply to Home Improvement Ideas. Thank you very much!

Comment on Avelino Contemporary Glass Sculpture in cinnamon by Home Improvement Ideas

Home Improvement Ideas — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 16:22:39 +0000

Wonderful piece of art!

Comment on Potato in Glass by Bernard Katz

Bernard Katz — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 13:36:43 +0000

In reply to Alli Hoag. Generally speaking, yes. Cords are the other main reason I use a potato. I am using mostly batch, and a thin layer of cords can form between each melted charge as the furnace is being filled. The potato helps break up those "charge" layers... However, because cords form when the fluxes in the glass begin to burn out, emptying the furnace completely between charges is almost essential. Otherwise, old cordy glass will just get mixed around with the potato. Also, if your cullet has been melted over and over without the introduction of new material, your just charging cordy cullet.

Comment on Potato in Glass by Alli Hoag

Alli Hoag — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 23:20:01 +0000

Thanks for the great info! By any chance would you know if this technique could be helpful for fighting cords in a cullet melt?

Comment on Is this piece perfect? by Bernard Katz

Bernard Katz — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 23:13:10 +0000

In reply to Margaret Almon. Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the post.

Comment on Is this piece perfect? by Margaret Almon

Margaret Almon — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 17:06:43 +0000

Thank you for articulating this so eloquently. I know that if I go into the studio with the intention to make “perfect art” I am unlikely to make anything at all.

Comment on Potato in Glass by Bernard Katz

Bernard Katz — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 15:43:26 +0000

In reply to wg rickel. That is a very good question with some debate among glass blowers. After the last charge, the furnace is set to run at high fire temp for about 5 hours... After which, the furnace temp will ramp down to our 'working' temp. I personally prefer to potato the furnace after an hour or two into the high fire. Basically, when the glass is at its most viscous.

Comment on Potato in Glass by Bernard Katz

Bernard Katz — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 15:34:27 +0000

In reply to wg rickel. Hi, you are right about the density. I have heard of people also using things like apples. Because the potato is dense and sturdy, it stays intact pretty well. I did have a fellow glass blowing friend tell me about how he had a potato that got loose... He said it was a struggle getting it out because it was dancing around on surface of the glass like crazy. :)