April 2024 Newsletter
Custom Windows, Space Expansion, Remembering Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Spring Classes, & Online Sale!
Radiant Reflections: Crafting Elegance in Custom Clear Windows
We're thrilled to share our latest project - custom clear windows for a client's kitchen remodel. Our stained-glass team worked closely with the client, drawing inspiration from her vision, and provided images to create these stunning pieces.
Using Mosaico glass on the border, the delicate lace pattern is mirrored throughout the design. Other glasses used include Oceanside clear and black, Kokomo Seedy, Clear antique 01890, and 100WF clear water glass in the center.
These windows exude elegance and charm and we’re thrilled with how they turned out. We know that they will seamlessly blend into the space while adding a touch of timeless beauty.
Artist in The World: Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian
In the realm of contemporary Iranian art, few names shine as brightly as Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian. Her passing in 2019 at the age of 97 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that has left an indelible mark on the art world.
A Life of Artistic Exploration:
Born in 1922 in Qazvin, Iran, Farmanfarmaian's artistic journey was shaped by a deep reverence for her cultural heritage and a tireless curiosity for modern expressionism. She studied fine arts at the University of Tehran before venturing to the United States in 1945 to pursue fashion at the Parsons School for Design in New York City. It was here that she became immersed in the vibrant art scene of the 1950s and 1960s, forging friendships with luminaries such as Willem de Kooning, Joan Mitchell, and Andy Warhol.
Farmanfarmaian's art is a testament to the intersection of tradition and innovation. Influenced by the geometric motifs of Islamic art and the avant-garde sensibilities of the New York art scene, she developed a distinctive style characterized by mirror mosaic sculptures and glass paintings. Her works evoke a sense of infinite expansion and interconnectedness, and blur the boundaries between art and architecture.
A Return to Roots:
Despite her success in the West, Farmanfarmaian's heart remained tethered to her homeland. She returned to Iran to marry, continuing to create art that seamlessly combined elements of Minimalism and Abstract Expressionism with traditional Iranian craftsmanship. A pivotal moment came during a visit to the Shah Cheraq Shrine in Shiraz, where she found inspiration in the mirrored hexagons adorning its ceilings, sparking the creation of her iconic sculptural mosaics.
Farmanfarmaian's artistic journey was marked by resilience and reinvention. Forced into exile twice, first by choice during World War II and later due to political upheaval, she never wavered in her commitment to her craft. Her work, which can be found in esteemed collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum, continues to captivate audiences with its beauty and complexity.
Not only are we inspired by Farmanfarmaian's artistic achievements but also her unwavering spirit and dedication to her craft. Her legacy will endure as a beacon of creativity and cultural exchange, inspiring generations to come to explore the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.
We're Expanding
Check out this sneak peak of our brand-new retail space debuting this spring! Swing by the store and catch a glimpse at all the exciting developments.
Upcoming Classes at Potekglass
Marbles 101
April 18th, 25th, May 2nd, & 9th
2pm - 5pm
Cost: $285
Member Price: $256.50
Learn the art of the making and decorating perfect glass spheres!
In this dynamic torchwork course, students will learn how to make interesting marbles with the literal ins-and-outs of making a perfect sphere. Different pattern techniques covered in this 4-week course include the mighty vortex, striking implosions, colorful raking, plus canes and twists.
This glass fundamentals course gives the boro beginner, or intermediate glassworker, the skills to begin translating their ideas into reality.
All the tools and COE 33 borosilicate glass are supplied throughout this course. If you have your own tools, bring them so you can get even more comfortable with using them!
*Note: Students are required to have taken a Try-iT! Glass Torch Class prior to this class or have previous mixed gas torch experience.
Flower Power!
05/23, 05/30, 06/06, & 06/13
5pm - 8pm
Cost: $285
Member Price: $258.50
Welcome to a delightful spring-themed hot-glass workshop where you'll bring blossoms to life in stunning borosilicate glass!
Over the course of 4 weeks, participants will embark on an artistic journey, honing their skills in working with borosilicate color. Through hands-on practice with rods and frits, students will explore techniques for color application, blending, and maximizing material efficiency.
In addition to mastering color, we will delve into the fundamentals of flame dynamics and hot-glass sculpture, enabling students to craft intricate and lifelike floral creations.
Students are required to have taken a Try-iT! Glass Torch Class prior to this class or have previous mixed gas torch experience.
Mastering the Art of Glass Cutting
Instructor Joe Ring
06/29/2024 & 07/27/2024
10:00AM - 4:00PM
$215 non-members
$193.50 members
This is a perfect class for the beginner as well as the more advanced glass crafter who may have already taken classes in stained glass, glass fusing or mosaics but would like to develop better glass cutting skills. These skills can save the crafter a lot of money and frustration.
This all day class will open with an overview of all the different types of hand tools available so the student understands what tools are best for their glass work.
The hands-on part of the class will begin with how to hold the glass cutter to make free-hand straight cuts and then moving on to using a straight edge.
Students will use the Flying Beetle System for cutting accurate strips, squares, rectangles, and diamonds. The student will be shown the best tools and techniques to cut the four most difficult shape patterns in glass. All students will learn to cut a perfect circle out of a square of art glass.
Each student will need to have a glass cutter, running pliers, and breaking pliers for class. A generous supply of glass for practice cutting will be provided for each student. Tools are available for purchase or rent at Potekglass.
