Lampworking
is a form of glassworking using a torch to melt
glass into a molten state and then shape it
into pieces of art. Although the art form is
a very very ancient practise, it flowered in
Murano, Italy in the 1300s, and spread from
there to the rest of Europe. Early lampworking
was done in the flame of an oil lamp, with the
artist blowing air into the flame through a
pipe.
Most
artists today use blowtorches that burn propane
together with pure oxygen to form an exceptionally
hot flame. These are used to melt brightly coloured
rods of glass into a molten state, ready for
manipulating into pieces of art work and beads.
In
addition to glass, an artist may chose to add
precious metals such as gold and silver to the
pieces. These can cause some amazing reactions
in the piece and have to be seen to be believed!
An artist may also use enamels, glass frit or
even cubic zirconias in their work too.
After the piece has been created it is then
put in a kiln to anneal the beads for strength
- this is an essential part, so you can enjoy
its beauty for a long time to come!!!
So
as you can see, a lampworked bead is not just
a bead but a lovingly created piece of art in
its own right!
Each
Rowanberry Glass Art bead is a loved and carefully
created item, from start to finish - and I hope
that you enjoy owning them as much as I do in
creating them!
