Vessel | Glass sculpture
by Anna Alsina Bardagí
About the artwork
Title: Vessel Material: Eco optical glass Edition: Unique artwork Process: Cast glass, polished, and sandblasted Dimensions: 17.5 H x 42 W x 10.5 cm (6.9 H x 16.5 W x 4.1 inches) Weight: 13.2 kg (29.1 pounds) Year created: 2017FAQs about glass sculpture Vessel
What techniques were used to create Vessel?
Vessel was crafted using kiln-casting and coldworking techniques to achieve its crystal-clear interior and solid, melted form. Viewed from above, optical illusions emerge as light refracts through the transparent core.
What was the process behind creating this glass sculpture?
Vessel was developed through a carefully planned casting process that began with a hand-sculpted prototype. From there, I created a mold and calculated a single solid block of glass designed to produce the illusion of inner emptiness. The piece was fired in the kiln over two weeks, following a gradual temperature schedule to ensure stability and clarity. After casting, several weeks of polishing and a final touch of sandblasting brought out the contrast and optical depth of the finished sculpture.
What kind of glass was used in this sculpture?
Vessel was created using Ohara’s eco-optical glass. Its unique optical properties were essential in achieving the illusion of emptiness and a bubble-free interior, even though the sculpture is entirely solid.
How long did it take to bring Vessel to life?
It took over two months to bring Vessel to life, with each stage— from design to final polish—requiring patience, precision, and time to let the optical effects fully emerge.