Lampworking and Neon

MICHAEL CAIN

The objective of this lampworking class is to explore the various opportunities of visual expression through the marriage of manipulated glass and light. After learning techniques in building solid and hollow forms of glass from the torches, the students will then learn how to capture light within the works. Neon gas will be the primary medium to create the light, but other possibilities will be discussed and encouraged. Neon, in the way that most people know it (as signage) will not be addressed in this course, except for learning basic techniques in bending tubes. Instead, we will create luminous sculptures that use an alternative electrical source for energizing the gas, which transforms the neon into what is known as plasma. The variety of artistic expression is greater, while often maintaining a more subtle quality than its predecessor. Because of the inherent interactive nature of plasma (the light source changes in intensity with human touch), students will be encouraged to explore the symbolic associations of this phenomenon.
This course is open to students who are new to lampworking and/or neon, but there is plenty of opportunity for experienced technicians to find the class challenging and rewarding.

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Michael J. Cain

Michael Cain, born in Pittsburg, PA, embarked on his path to a celebrated art career when he took a three-year hiatus from college to learn the trade of neon sign making. It was at this time that he made the conscious decision to use neon as the primary medium in his artwork. After acquiring the appropriate skills, his interests evolved into experimentation with glass and other media to enhance his sculptural exploration. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1994 and moved to New Orleans, where he has owned and operated Mercury Injection Studio Arts for the past twelve years. From 1998 to 2003, Michael's career focused on a production line of sculptural glass. The process involved integrating off-hand blowing with neon tube bending techniques to create luminous neon vessels. In 2004, Michael shifted his focus towards public art with the completion of three commissions throughout the state of Louisiana. However, possibly the biggest shift in the evolution of his art occurred on August 29th, 2005, a day that brought significant changes to everyone in New Orleans. By comparison, Michael was very fortunate to have escaped flooding to his home by a mere three inches, and suffered minimal damage to his studio. Yet, the inconsistent utility services and extensive house repairs left little time for the maintenance of a glass studio. Thus, Michael refocused his creative efforts again to a new series of light paintings in response to the effects of the storm. He has also returned to working in public sculpture when he was awarded a commission for the city of Palm Harbor, Florida.
Michael Cain's art has carried him all over the world, from Germany, where he taught at the Bild Werk Glass School, to Istanbul, Turkey, where he was an instructor for lampworking and neon at The Glass Furnace. He shows his work nationally, and has won numerous awards and commissions.
www.michaelcainartsandmusic.com

* An additional €20 registration fee is charged during application
** The amount of deposit to be paid is €300
*** The accommodation is full board and the fee is € 35 euro per person/per night in room for 3-4 people. Single and double rooms are limited.
Please click www.glassfurnace.org/yeni/kampus_en.php link for details.