BFA Thesis

Scavenger%252C%2B2019%252C%2BBFA%2BThesis.jpg — *Scavenger*

**2019**
**BFA Thesis**
Hotcast glass, glass powder and frit, kiln formed glass, engraving
29.5 x 21 x 1.5 inches

Statement

Scavengers serve an integral role within our environment, as they are responsible for aiding the decomposition of dead organisms. The turkey vulture feasts on carcasses, which is often perceived as an undesirable side of nature. I invite the viewer to take a closer look at how they transform that which no longer has life. Death, and anything associated with it, is often viewed as repulsive and frightening, but I prefer to emphasize the beauty of this process. It serves as a reminder of my own mortality. The fact that life relies on death helps me to be more aware in the moment, rather than be in a constant state of worry and fear. My impressionistic use of glass softens the harsh reality of my subject matter. Glass allows me to create textures, colors, and optical qualities and by layering glass powder and frit into imagery, I am able to capture my perception of what is real.

Process

I created 35 4x4x1 inch clear glass tiles by hand using a technique called hot casting.

I laid out all the tiles onto my drawing as a reference.

To create my imagery, I place glass powder/frit onto my tiles using spoons and paintbrushes and then fire in the kiln.

I practiced painting with glass frit on sheet glass prior to painting on the hotcasted tiles.

These are some of the tiles in the kiln before firing.

This is a close-up of the vulture before it has been fired.

This is a detail shot after the frit has been fired and lightly engraved with a handheld dremel.