Mitosis
Glass sculpture by Anna Alsina Bardagí
About the artwork
Title: Mitosis
Material: Eco optical glass
Edition: Unique artwork
Process: Cast glass, polished
Dimensions: 26 H x 14 W x 14 cm (10.2 H x 5.5 W x 5.5 inches)
Weight: 13 kg (28 lbs)
Year created: 2024
FAQs about Mitosis glass sculpture
What techniques were used to create Mitosis?
Mitosis was created using kiln-casting and cold-working techniques to achieve its geometric form and internal clarity. The suspended, cellular-like structures were developed through controlled water-jet cuts before firing.
What was the process behind creating this glass sculpture?
The creation of Mitosis followed a carefully calculated, multi-stage glass casting process. First, I developed and refined the concept before constructing a mold from vermiculite panels. Next, precise mathematical calculations determined the exact glass volume and shapes required. The floating mitosis effect at the center of the glass sculpture emerged by pre-shaping elements before melting.
Following the preparation of the glass, the piece underwent a two-week firing and annealing process, where it was slowly heated and cooled to ensure structural integrity and minimize internal stresses. After the firing process, the sculpture underwent several weeks of grinding with silicon carbide. Finally, the piece went through a polishing stage using cerium oxide to achieve optical transparency, allowing the suspended structures within Mitosis to emerge in their full depth.
What type of glass was used to create it?
This glass sculpture was created using Ohara’s eco-optical glass S-BSL7, which is known for its exceptional optical properties. Free from lead and arsenic, it ensures the purity of the final piece.
How long did it take to bring Mitosis to life?
It took over three months to bring Mitosis to life, from the initial concept and design through glass calculations and firing, to the final polishing for optical clarity.