Class Album: Sculpture Students Explore Glass Making
In the class Examining Space, taught by Sculpture faculty member John Umphlett, students learned their way around iron forge and the glass studio at the Salem Art Works (SAW), just 25 miles from campus in Salem, New York.
Anthony Cafritz ’85 founded the non-profit in 2005 and dedicated it to emerging and established artists and the creation and appreciation of progressive contemporary art. Several times over the course of this term, students traveled to Salem to experience iron pouring and glass making.
“Part of my aim as a faculty member is to continue to find paths, even outside of the institution, to expose students to more materials and methods, even traditional ones, so they can use them in nontraditional ways,” said Umphlett.
Umphlett challenged students to mix the iron and the glass in works that, as the course title suggests, examines space. The project title is delicate in tension (DiT). An exhibit of student work is on display in the Barn Annex until December 1.
“Glass Bubble” by Emma Clark ’25
"I had a life changing experience working with glass! I was initially afraid of the intense process, but with everyone's help I overcame that and am immensely proud to have walked away with four glass pieces."
Collecting Glass, Izzy Meyer-Nilliasca ’27
"Being able to experiment and do hands-on work with glass introduced me to a creative outlet. I didn’t know it was a possibility for me. Understanding the process was very fun and gave me perspective on how different materials can be used to make art."
Scorching Liquid and Melting Solid, Sirun Li ’27
"It was so fascinating to witness scorching liquid glass being spooned and poured into a mold. I was reminded of materials’ nature and potential when it is freed from one form of a condition. Glass in the day-to-day environment is hard, fragile, cold, and sharp when being hurt. However, those depictions are just about glass, but not what glass is. It was also amazing to discover the quick change glass when some of the liquid glass dropped on the ground in thin lines. It quickly became solid in a melting shape."
It's My Face! Shivani Hirata-Chandran ’27
"Working with glass is a dream come true! I am incredibly thankful to Salem Art Works for showing us the ropes and inviting us to ask questions, make mistakes, and get our hands dirty. SAW has been such an incredible resource for our class. During our second visit to Salem, I experimented with open-face molds, slumping hot glass into the shape of my face! The process was exhilarating and completely spontaneous. I had my classmates push my face down into a box of sand. Then, I used scraps of iron to make indents for the eyes and cheeks. This process created a warped, mask-like impression."