Jennifer Grant

Glass and Drawing - The theory, development and use of drawing in studio glass practice 

Synopsis

This research will extend and critically examine drawing practice in relation to sculptural studio glass, focussing specifically on drawing 'for', 'from' and 'with' glass. Current overlaps between glass and drawing emphasise surface applications such as painting, printing, engraving and abrasive processes. In contrast the integral use of glass within the drawing process has been little explored.

Research context

The use of glass as a primary material within individual studio practice in fine and applied art is recent with recognised origins in the 1950s (Klein). Inherited practices in drawing need conscious adaptation to realise glass specific qualities. Current research shows a resurgence of activity in drawing and significant change regarding assimilation of recently discovered knowledge and theoretical responses such as complexity theory (Ratey). Issues raised by this research have relevance for glass practitioners by providing new subject matter and perceptual concerns in aesthetic, technical and conceptual areas.

Research questions

• Can established and emerging practical and theoretical ideas in contemporary drawing be related to sculptural studio glass?
• Can practical examples of an integration of drawing and glass practice be made visible?
• Can glass specific qualities such as reflectance, absorbance and transmittance be identified through drawing and used within studio practice?

Contribution to Knowledge

The development of original practical and theoretical drawing methodologies that are glass specific will locate and define a new area of interest within glass practice. This development will be shown through the production of original work in sculptural studio glass.

Methodology

• Theoretical contextualisation of current best practice in drawing.
• Empirical studio practice using comprehensive glass facilities and processes at University of Sunderland.
• Identification, adaptation and realisation of existing drawing methodologies relevant to glass e.g. meticulous low contrast drawing to explore complex surface qualities and light transmittance simultaneously.
• Comparative studies between drawings for glass and drawings from glass.
• Explorations of physical drawing integrated with sculptural uses of glass e.g. glass as the drawing medium using kiln cast and hot shop processes.
• Progression into fully realised body of work demonstrating the integration of drawing and glass.