Nancy Bonig Glass Studio

 

Contemporary Fused Glass


How are Kiln Formed Glass Objects made?
Fused and Kiln Formed glass are general terms used to describe glass that has been formed, manipulated and shaped in a glass kiln.
Fused glass is similar to baking glass. Glass pieces are cut and arranged by hand, then slowly heated in a kiln over a period of several hours. At temperatures between 1400 and 1500 degrees F (760 – 840 degrees C), glass softens to a honey-like consistency and the separate pieces of glass liquefy and fuse together into a single piece of glass. When the glass has reached the state desired by the artist, the kiln is shut off, and annealing begins. Annealing is the slow cooling of the glass to prevent the presence of internal stress (which can lead to bubbles, cracks, or fractures).
Once the glass has returned to room temperature, slumping is begun. Slumping is the shaping of flat planes of glass into various forms. The glass is suspended over a prepared mold made of stainless steel or stoneware and slowly heated. As the glass reaches internal temperatures in the 1200 to 1350 degree F range (650 – 730 degrees C), the glass becomes soft, similar in consistency to taffy. The glass stretches and sags over the mold. As it reaches its desired shape, the kiln is shut down and annealing begins.

Artist’s Remarks:

“Fusing is a challenging form of expression because it involves the creative process along with the scientific control needed to manipulate an uncooperative material. I continue to experiment with different types of glass, molds and special effects. I see my work as constantly evolving as I discover new and unusual techniques, including the occasional happy mistake.”

About the Artist:

Nancy Bonig was born and raised in the Washington D.C. area. She received a bachelor of science in Apparel Design from Virginia Tech. . She began kiln-working glass in 1998. She moved to Colorado in 1975 in search of a more peaceful and natural environment. She resides in Monument, Colorado.


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