Chiron | Glass sculpture

Chiron was created using glass casting and cold-working techniques to shape its organic form. The interplay of polished and textured surfaces was achieved through meticulous prototyping, grinding, and sandblasting. Additionally, the internal patterns emerged from controlled surface treatment before firing.

The process of creating Chiron began with a hand-sculpted prototype crafted from fine art plasticine, which allowed me to design its flowing contours. Initially, the comet-like shape at the bottom was hollow, creating an optical illusion that made it appear solid once cast.

After completing the prototype, I calculated the necessary glass volume and selected a method that involved carefully positioning layers of glass for the casting process. To create and freeze the central pattern, I treated the surface with a combination of fire polishing and additional refinements before melting the glass in the kiln. At this stage, the firing process allowed the material to achieve its final shape, while the controlled treatment of the surface ensured the optical illusion was preserved.

This artwork was created using Ohara’s eco-optical glass S-BSL7, a lead- and arsenic-free glass known for its crystal-clear properties. The flawless clarity of this glass, combined with the technique used, enabled the precise formation of the central pattern while keeping the surrounding space entirely bubble-free.

The creation of Chiron took several months, beginning with the hand-sculpted prototype and continuing through the casting process and final polishing.