The Non-Crystalline Workshop

This workshop is a chance for curious peoples to investigate craft process that have been deemed obsolete. It  provides insight into glassmaking processes and behaviors which have been lost to time and only can be accessed as theory, not experience. This workshop allows participants to use historically accurate tools and materials available to American glassblowers beginning in the 1860’s and continuing to the 1960’s. The primary process of focus is the shaping of glass in a flame– a method of making that has been essential to the arts and sciences. The workshop includes presentations on the history of glassmaking revolving around the flame followed by some basic instruction and the ability to use the torches. Prompts for making reproductions are provided but exploration and play is strongly encouraged.

By having the opportunity to embody the materials and processes that we normally only have the ability to read about, a different information can be gathered. While academic settings revolve around verbal and visual learning, there is a constant lack of haptic learning. This event tackles experimentation and research through tactile experiences. Academia provides us with written accounts but how much of the history of making is lost when tacit knowledge is lost? Participants are encouraged  to help the field by using their fascination with this material to add to its greater knowledge in a way rarely attempted.

The first workshop (3/12/16) featured talks by Tyler Gordon, Catherine Jackson and Tracy Drier. The following photos show the learning and making that happened that day. More photos and videos will be available at NonCrystallineHistory.com.