Glide | Glass sculpture

Glide was brought to life using the glass casting technique, which was combined with precision water jet cutting to shape and assemble meticulously planned glass forms before firing. The piece’s design required intricate alignment to achieve its internal motion, resulting in a sense of fluidity despite the solid material.

Creating Glide involved a multi-step process to achieve its precise floating form. First, careful mathematical calculations determined the glass composition. This was followed by precision water-jet cutting and a complex pre-melting assembly.

The mold, constructed from vermiculite panels, held the piece during the controlled melting and annealing process. This phase lasted between 10 and 14 days. It was critical as gradual cooling ensured the sculpture’s structural integrity.

Once the firing was complete, the piece underwent weeks of cold work, where the surface was carefully ground and polished. This process brought the sculpture to optical transparency. Fine grinding was then applied to the top and bottom for a contrasting finish.

Glide was made of eco-optical glass from Ohara, free from lead and arsenic. Its clarity and purity create the illusion of depth and emptiness while maintaining a solid glass form.

The creation of Glide took several months, as it required integrating various methods to transform the concept into the final glass sculpture.