Glass art brings together four very different techniques. Fusing, as its name suggests, 'fuses' pieces of glass together. It is the most accessible form of glass art and great for beginners.
Lampworking, or flameworking, uses a torch to work glass and a kiln to cool the pieces. It is used to make mostly jewellery and small, colourful pieces like buttons as well as small sculptures and decorations.
Casting involves molds and makes bigger objects. Finally, blowing is the most complicated form of glass art. It's expensive to set up and very hard to master. It usually makes hollow pieces, and bigger shapes and sizes can be handled.
Young Post meets lampworking artist Shan Luk and discovers what it takes to be a glass artist.
Requirements
For lampworking you need sensitivity to colours and details, and an interest in jewellery. You also need steady hands to get an even shape. With blowing, you need great body co-ordination - not only hand co-ordination - and strength. You need to enjoy working with a team and be prepared to work in a very hot environment. For casting, you need to have a good 3D sense and experience in wax moldings.