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Elaine Yau

The Academy of Visual Arts  at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has set up a Glass Art Studio.  It is the first tertiary institution in Hong Kong to offer courses on glass-making and design.

Taught by Taiwanese glass artist Sunny Wang Ling-chen, the courses  are open to all HKBU students.

Australian artist Matthew Larwood was invited to demonstrate his glass-blowing techniques last week at the Kai Tak campus in Kwun Tong.

Larwood also  talked about the history of glass art and the role it has played in the development of contemporary arts.

While glass-making is a well-acknowledged form of art in western countries, it is  not popular in Hong Kong.

'Due to expensive glass-making equipment and material, few artists participate in glass design in Hong Kong,' said Ms Wang.

HKBU set up its Glass Art Studio last November with the aim of promoting the art among young people.

The studio is equipped with all  kinds of glass-making machinery, including glass kilns, a 1,250 degree Celsius glass-melting furnace and glass-blowing tools.

There's fierce competition for the limited places on the course.

'Glass-making involves complicated processes and the use of dangerous equipment. Classes are small so that teachers can monitor the students' every move. We have  accepted only six students this year,' said  Ms Wang.

Last December, the studio organised a glass-making trip to Taipei for students.

The 11-day trip allowed students to visit glass-making factories in Taipei and ask the craftsmen for advice.

Year Two visual arts student Vangi Fong went on the trip.

She says glass-making is a delicate art that involves many skills.

'At the beginning, I  found it difficult to make the shapes I  wanted. You have to keep blowing air into the tube and it can be tiring sometimes.

'In semi-liquid form, the glass solidifies quickly if you stop blowing,' said the 22-year-old.

In spite of the  difficulties, Ms Fong now enjoys  creating glass  art.

'I've made bowls and glasses.  When I see my work, I feel very content,' said Ms Fong.



Learn glass-making