Vanessa Cutler
Investigating the creative uses of abrasive water-jet cutting for the glass artist's studio
Glass is being used in a variety of ways within architecture and the arts. Artists working with glass are looking at manipulating glass into ever more creative and complex forms. The material needs to be cut, manipulated and moulded into shape. The current cutting practices within most glass artists¿ studios are relatively basic, making some glass applications difficult or impossible to execute. The development of new technology such waterjet enables new cutting methods to be incorporated into the glass artist's practice.
The research has been initiated out of a series of cutting tests. The trials investigate the cutting parameters and quality of cutting from a cross-section of glass used commonly within glass studio practice. The intention of the research is to understand the capabilities of using the machine creatively.
The investigation explores and enhances the technical language learnt through 'informed play' with waterjet process gaining an intimacy with the machine. This is through cutting own work and facilitating for other artists. The case studies explore the development of creative application within the field of glass whilst extending the manufacturer's perceptions of use; a response to artists working in glass that wish to extend the material's existing working techniques alongside current and new technology not necessarily associated with this field.
Glass has a range of applications for the artist. It is a material full of contradictions, versatile and constantly challenging. Abrasive waterjet cutting has enabled a complex material to be manipulated beyond its current boundaries to create intricate cutting not possible by any other means. The process can be applied for decorative purposes in artefacts produced by blown glass, kiln work and in architectural situations. Case studies provide evidence of how the process can be manipulated to create work not possible without abrasive waterjet. It is hoped that the research outlined will help revolutionise creative glass practice within the artistic community.
Artists work in a variety of materials and like the engineer, enjoy a challenge; whether it's a material, people¿s attitude, raising awareness or creating attractive artworks. The word 'creative' is applied to the initial thinking of the original objectives of waterjet application. It cannot be said engineers are less creative than artists in their own respective fields. The intention of this paper is to show how artists are utilising techniques that were initially designed for objectives within an industrial setting but can create attractive artworks. It is the outcome using the particular process that is different. The engineer's outcome is the same point at which the artist starts to visualise the creative potential of the machines application.
By understanding the process the artist can understand the limitations of what the machine can achieve and be encouraged to stretch the boundaries. The artist brings a different methodology to how the machine is used. It enables manufacturers to research the diversity of application and the artist to employ new technology creatively.
Abrasive waterjet has enabled complex cutting of various materials; however this research currently being undertaken in Sunderland concentrates on the cutting of glass for creative purposes with particular reference its application in the creation of an object.
