SLATTED VASES

Slatted Vases [Beta Series] – 2023 | Various sizes, mouth-blown glass, sandblasted finish, kiln polishing – soda-lime glass

In 2023, I conducted a research project exploring the use of a wooden slat mold to create blown glass vases in a small-scale production context. This mold, crafted entirely from recycled wood offcuts, evolved with each use. As it gradually degraded, it imparted subtle variations to the shape of each vase, ensuring that every piece was truly one of a kind.

My intention was to develop a series of objects with a distinctive surface treatment, achieved without the use of colored glass. This exploration also examined how minor adjustments can dramatically transform the visual and tactile qualities of an object. High-pressure sandblasting was used to give the glass a frosted texture, followed by kiln-polishing to soften the surface and create a leather-like finish. Refining the process required extensive testing to determine the optimal balance of temperature and duration, as these factors directly impact the structural integrity of the forms.

This approach emphasizes ecological principles: designing with minimal resources, repurposing recycled materials, and implementing energy-efficient production methods. The satin finish was achieved without any chemical treatments, and polishing multiple pieces in the kiln simultaneously minimized both time and energy consumption.

This project also served as an inquiry into the material limitations of wood in serial production. I aim to further this research by exploring how many objects can be produced with minimal resources, addressing the high costs and material demands that are intrinsic to the craft of blown glass.