Glassblowing

KAREN WILLENBRINK-JOHNSEN | Intermediate to Advanced

The class will focus on hot glass sculpting. Both solid worked and blown forming techniques will be covered. Special attention will be paid to bit work, color application, texture, and torchwork. The use of the garage for assembly will further illuminate the vast possibilities when working in glass. Because of the nature of the class, teamwork will be reviewed and stressed. Plan to work hard and have fun. One year of glass experience is preferred.

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Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen

Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen is an avid birder and naturalist. Reared in Cincinnati, Ohio, she spent long hours in the woods of Southwest Ohio with her father, Bill, himself an ardent outdoorsman. After graduation with a BFA in 1984 from Ohio University, Karen has worked in glass art for over 20 years. Karen was a vital part of the William Morris team at Pilchuck Glass School for more than a decade, and has taught numerous workshops in glass art throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and New Zealand. Among her favorite glassmaking experiences was working with Pino Signoretti and the other glass masters in Murano. Karen's love of nature is transmitted through her art, in which her vibrant and creative depictions of flora and fauna include not only natural beauty, but whimsical looks at dogs in "human" settings. She greatly enjoys sharing her love of and passion for glassmaking, and the ability it gives one to reflect the beauty of the world around them.

* An additional US$20 registration fee is charged during application

** The amount of deposit to be paid is US$320