When it comes to decorative glass, it seems like there’s always something new to amaze me. Take, for example, a glass installation project recently completed at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Wash. You see, there’s more to it than just a great display of glass artwork; it’s actually glass artwork about glass artists.
Moon Shadow Etchers located in Sandy, Ore., produced twenty-one art theme walls for the Hotel Murano and each of the hotel’s floors is dedicated to one internationally recognized glass artist. These glass walls tell the story of each artist, their inspirations and creative processes. Interior design firm Corso Staicoff of Portland, Ore., came up with the concept and Moon Shadow Etchers worked with environmental graphic designers Ditroen Inc., also of Portland, to create the panels. The process they employed? Sandblasting photographs onto glass … check out the project and read more here: http://www.moonshadowetchers.com/murano.htm.
I was talking to Tim Frasier, founder of Moon Shadow Etchers, and he told me that they started work creating the glass panels around this time last year and they worked on it until the end of February this year. It was pretty much Tim and one other person creating the glass, working12-hour days, just about seven days a week, and only taking time off for Christmas.
To me, part of what’s so appealing about this project is that a company that makes artistic glass creations, created artwork that recognized some of the world’s most well-known glass artists, think Dante Marioni (http://www.dantemarioni.com/).
Of course, it also ties into a big trend right now in glass—imagery in glass. You can ink jet right onto glass, silkscreen glass, print on interlayers for laminating glass … all of this really shows it’s a very exciting time to be working with glass.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Mirror Musings
The Glass Association of North America’s Mirror Division meeting during last week’s Fall Conference got me thinking about the state of the North American mirror industry. It’s no secret that the North American mirror industry has seen better days. After all, so much production of the mass-produced consumer products has moved offshore. Is there any hope that it will ever return to North America? It’s not all that likely. As Lee Harrison, president of Walker Glass told me during an interview, “I wouldn’t hold my breath for it to come back.”
So what happened to the mirror industry here in North America? I went back to an article I wrote nearly eight years ago for USGlass, which talked about the state of the industry then. Let’s take a quick look back …
One struggle that John Matthews, then vice president of industrial products for Carolina Mirror (now part of Gardner Glass Products) in North Wilkesboro, N.C., talked about was the fact that primary glass manufacturers—suppliers for mirror makers—had started making mirror, too, and that lead to over-capacity.
Another deterrent, and probably the most significant, is increased competition from international producers who could turn out product faster and cheaper. As Drew Mayberry, president and CEO of Lenoir Mirror told me:
“Imported mirror and glass from countries such as China are affecting mirror manufacturers [in the United States] in two ways, neither of which is positive. First, mirror and glass parts are being installed in furniture that is being manufactured in [Asia], then packaged and shipped to the United States. Secondly, mirrors produced in China are being shipped to warehouses on the West Coast, then cut and fabricated for those markets. Both activities diminish the market available in the United States."
Producers also told me about the need for development and innovation. And today we’ve seen companies like Walker Glass and Gardner Glass Products do just that—innovate by finding ways to bring new products to the market place to stay competitive.
In last week’s mirror meeting, in fact, Tommy Husky with Gardner said at his company they don’t even consider themselves to be just a mirror company, but rather a specialty glass company. A number of mirror companies have developed new products products and are staying busy serving the architectural and design community’s decorative and specialty glass needs.
Another potential focus area mirror members talked about last week is using mirror for solar applications—another timely and significantly developing market. I know several times a week I read articles online that talk about photovoltaics and solar applications.
Maybe mass-produced consumer mirror production is gone for good. But there are still lots of opportunities for mirror producers; you just have to go out and find them.
So what happened to the mirror industry here in North America? I went back to an article I wrote nearly eight years ago for USGlass, which talked about the state of the industry then. Let’s take a quick look back …
One struggle that John Matthews, then vice president of industrial products for Carolina Mirror (now part of Gardner Glass Products) in North Wilkesboro, N.C., talked about was the fact that primary glass manufacturers—suppliers for mirror makers—had started making mirror, too, and that lead to over-capacity.
Another deterrent, and probably the most significant, is increased competition from international producers who could turn out product faster and cheaper. As Drew Mayberry, president and CEO of Lenoir Mirror told me:
“Imported mirror and glass from countries such as China are affecting mirror manufacturers [in the United States] in two ways, neither of which is positive. First, mirror and glass parts are being installed in furniture that is being manufactured in [Asia], then packaged and shipped to the United States. Secondly, mirrors produced in China are being shipped to warehouses on the West Coast, then cut and fabricated for those markets. Both activities diminish the market available in the United States."
Producers also told me about the need for development and innovation. And today we’ve seen companies like Walker Glass and Gardner Glass Products do just that—innovate by finding ways to bring new products to the market place to stay competitive.
In last week’s mirror meeting, in fact, Tommy Husky with Gardner said at his company they don’t even consider themselves to be just a mirror company, but rather a specialty glass company. A number of mirror companies have developed new products products and are staying busy serving the architectural and design community’s decorative and specialty glass needs.
Another potential focus area mirror members talked about last week is using mirror for solar applications—another timely and significantly developing market. I know several times a week I read articles online that talk about photovoltaics and solar applications.
Maybe mass-produced consumer mirror production is gone for good. But there are still lots of opportunities for mirror producers; you just have to go out and find them.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Texas-Sized Glass Applications
Next week the Glass Association of North America’s (GANA) Fall Conference will take place in Dallas. In addition to the technical meetings, the conference will include a number of presentations on timely industry topics (Click Here for the full schedule: http://www.glasswebsite.com/events/fallconference/default.asp). While the meeting days are long, there’s a lot to see and do in Dallas—and a good bit of glass at that.
For one, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center boasts an impressive
display of overhead glazing. Naturalite manufactured and installed the skylight, which was featured on the July 2004 cover of USGlass magazine. Memphis, Tenn.-based Knedak Bobo Group served as the project architect. Gaylord Hotels wanted the resort to feature a signature glass dome, similar to the one found in the Opryland Hotel (also manufactured by Naturalite). For the job the company created a custom BMS 3000 skylight for the atrium that features a large, gold star at the top of the cupola skylight, centered in the main atrium skylight. More than 140,000 square feet of skylights was used for the total project. Typical slope glazing used ½-inch laminated glass, while vertical glazing used 1-inch insulating glass.
And if you’re more of a football fan you might be interested in the construction of the new stadium for the Dallas Cowboys (http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/), which has a projected completion date of June 2009. Dallas-based contract glazier Haley-Greer is doing the glass installation. When I talked to Letitia Barker, the company’s president, earlier this year, she was very excited about the project.
“The stadium will have one of the largest inverted-slope glazed curtainwalls in the world, and the end-zone doors are going to be the largest operable glass doors ever produced.”
Here are some other glazing details from the stadium’s design statement:
“The sweeping canted, 800-foot glass walls span the entire length of the stadium ... In contrast, the concave forms at the end zones, which serve as monumental entry areas, receive fans experiencing the building through 120-foot high and 180-foot wide retractable glass doors …the retractable roof panels travel over 400 feet along the length of the arches to rest in the open position. Simultaneously, the glass end zone walls open on each end of the stadium to transform the experience of the indoor stadium to that of an outdoor venue … Colors for the static elements of the stadium – concrete, glass, and steel – reflect the color of the materials used … clear application glass is used in order to enhance one’s understanding of the structure. The canted glass sideline walls are clear and incorporate a high tech white ceramic frit that allows a luminescent quality during both day and night.”
Whether or not you’re a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, the new stadium is going to offer tremendous glazing displays. You can see more of the stadium in the video below.
For one, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center boasts an impressive
display of overhead glazing. Naturalite manufactured and installed the skylight, which was featured on the July 2004 cover of USGlass magazine. Memphis, Tenn.-based Knedak Bobo Group served as the project architect. Gaylord Hotels wanted the resort to feature a signature glass dome, similar to the one found in the Opryland Hotel (also manufactured by Naturalite). For the job the company created a custom BMS 3000 skylight for the atrium that features a large, gold star at the top of the cupola skylight, centered in the main atrium skylight. More than 140,000 square feet of skylights was used for the total project. Typical slope glazing used ½-inch laminated glass, while vertical glazing used 1-inch insulating glass. And if you’re more of a football fan you might be interested in the construction of the new stadium for the Dallas Cowboys (http://stadium.dallascowboys.com/), which has a projected completion date of June 2009. Dallas-based contract glazier Haley-Greer is doing the glass installation. When I talked to Letitia Barker, the company’s president, earlier this year, she was very excited about the project.
“The stadium will have one of the largest inverted-slope glazed curtainwalls in the world, and the end-zone doors are going to be the largest operable glass doors ever produced.”
Here are some other glazing details from the stadium’s design statement:
“The sweeping canted, 800-foot glass walls span the entire length of the stadium ... In contrast, the concave forms at the end zones, which serve as monumental entry areas, receive fans experiencing the building through 120-foot high and 180-foot wide retractable glass doors …the retractable roof panels travel over 400 feet along the length of the arches to rest in the open position. Simultaneously, the glass end zone walls open on each end of the stadium to transform the experience of the indoor stadium to that of an outdoor venue … Colors for the static elements of the stadium – concrete, glass, and steel – reflect the color of the materials used … clear application glass is used in order to enhance one’s understanding of the structure. The canted glass sideline walls are clear and incorporate a high tech white ceramic frit that allows a luminescent quality during both day and night.”
Whether or not you’re a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, the new stadium is going to offer tremendous glazing displays. You can see more of the stadium in the video below.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Hot Glass, Cold Glas, All Glass
I recently had the opportunity to interview Ken Saunders, a co-owner of the Marx-Saunders Gallery (www.marxsaunders.com) in Chicago—a gallery that is dedicated to glass art and only works with a couple dozen or so artists. While the gallery’s artwork isn’t cheap (sometimes $40,000), Ken told me the great thing about glass is that it really is available at any price point.
“There are wonderful, marvelous pieces available at any price,” he said.
One thing I found particularly interesting was the fact that a number of the gallery’s pieces are on loan to the Glass Experience exhibition at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. I asked Ken about this and he said:
“Because we are an artist’s gallery and because we are very intensely associated with the couple dozen artists we represent, it is a part of our mission to seek out these opportunities for greater exposure. So we are often involved with museums, and museums know we are available to assist them with loans and other support to make exhibitions possible.”
If you get the chance to visit the exhibition (which I wrote about a few weeks ago; scroll down to read if you missed it) you can see works from some of the most renowned artists including Lino Tagliapietra (http://www.linotagliapietra.com/) and Jon Kuhn (www.kuhnstudio.com). Both artisans have worked with Marx-Saunders and both create astonishing works. However, the way by which they each approach glass is different. Tagliapietra is a hot-glass (blown glass) artist while Kuhn works with cold glass. Kuhn says his work involves grinding, polishing and laminating repeatedly.
Back to my interview with Ken Saunders … we also talked about how a number of artists who start out creating works for galleries often make the transition to large-scale and/or architectural work. BJ Katz from Meltdown Glass (www.meltdownglass.com) is an example of such an artist. You can read more about her in the Decorative Glass section of the August 2008 USGlass (http://www.usglass-digital.com/usglass/200808/?u1=texterity).
One of the reasons more artists are going the architectural route, Ken told me, is because they’ve found ways to create larger and larger glass art pieces.
“Once they were able to figure that out and began casting humongous objects then there was the ability for the architects to really draw some inspiration and work with some of these artists,” Ken said.
Considering the fact that architects are challenging the primaries and flat glass fabricators to create larger pieces of glass it’s no surprise, really, that the decorative side of glass is getting larger. Going forward, it will be exciting to see what other trends make the crossover.
“There are wonderful, marvelous pieces available at any price,” he said.
One thing I found particularly interesting was the fact that a number of the gallery’s pieces are on loan to the Glass Experience exhibition at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. I asked Ken about this and he said:
“Because we are an artist’s gallery and because we are very intensely associated with the couple dozen artists we represent, it is a part of our mission to seek out these opportunities for greater exposure. So we are often involved with museums, and museums know we are available to assist them with loans and other support to make exhibitions possible.”
If you get the chance to visit the exhibition (which I wrote about a few weeks ago; scroll down to read if you missed it) you can see works from some of the most renowned artists including Lino Tagliapietra (http://www.linotagliapietra.com/) and Jon Kuhn (www.kuhnstudio.com). Both artisans have worked with Marx-Saunders and both create astonishing works. However, the way by which they each approach glass is different. Tagliapietra is a hot-glass (blown glass) artist while Kuhn works with cold glass. Kuhn says his work involves grinding, polishing and laminating repeatedly.
Back to my interview with Ken Saunders … we also talked about how a number of artists who start out creating works for galleries often make the transition to large-scale and/or architectural work. BJ Katz from Meltdown Glass (www.meltdownglass.com) is an example of such an artist. You can read more about her in the Decorative Glass section of the August 2008 USGlass (http://www.usglass-digital.com/usglass/200808/?u1=texterity).
One of the reasons more artists are going the architectural route, Ken told me, is because they’ve found ways to create larger and larger glass art pieces.
“Once they were able to figure that out and began casting humongous objects then there was the ability for the architects to really draw some inspiration and work with some of these artists,” Ken said.
Considering the fact that architects are challenging the primaries and flat glass fabricators to create larger pieces of glass it’s no surprise, really, that the decorative side of glass is getting larger. Going forward, it will be exciting to see what other trends make the crossover.
Friday, August 15, 2008
But Wait! There's More
If you’re like me, by Friday you’re really ready for the weekend. After a long workweek it’s so nice to have a couple of days free to relax. Tomorrow I’ll be heading down to Winston-Salem, N.C. to meet my parents for the weekend. For me, Winston-Salem is slightly more than half way to where my parents live and slightly less for them, taking us around 5 hours to drive there and 2+ for my family. While it may seem as though I drew the short straw ending up with the longer drive, I don’t mind, as it will still make a nice weekend getaway.
This will be an exciting visit for many reasons, one reason in particular is that I plan to bring my parents a copy of the August USGlass, which features the premiere of our new Decorative Glass (DG) magazine. Have you seen it yet? You can read it online by clicking here: http://www.usglass-digital.com/usglass/200808/?u1=texterity.
The reactions I’ve heard so far have been tremendous. People are excited about this new venture and the opportunities it holds. And, as great as this launch, there’s still more in the works.
We’re also putting together a special stand-alone edition of our premiere issue of DG! It will include more articles, products and information and will be distributed at the October show in Las Vegas. And I ask you, is that not a great place for decorative glass?
There’s so much developing in the world of decorative glass and I am eager to talk more about it. That’s why I’m excited about the Glass Association of North America’s Fall Conference next month in Dallas. The decorative division will be meeting at that time and I’m sure there will be tons to talk about, write about and, yes, even blog about. Are you in the decorative glass loop? If so, I’m looking forward to talking with you in September. See you there!
This will be an exciting visit for many reasons, one reason in particular is that I plan to bring my parents a copy of the August USGlass, which features the premiere of our new Decorative Glass (DG) magazine. Have you seen it yet? You can read it online by clicking here: http://www.usglass-digital.com/usglass/200808/?u1=texterity.
The reactions I’ve heard so far have been tremendous. People are excited about this new venture and the opportunities it holds. And, as great as this launch, there’s still more in the works.
We’re also putting together a special stand-alone edition of our premiere issue of DG! It will include more articles, products and information and will be distributed at the October show in Las Vegas. And I ask you, is that not a great place for decorative glass?
There’s so much developing in the world of decorative glass and I am eager to talk more about it. That’s why I’m excited about the Glass Association of North America’s Fall Conference next month in Dallas. The decorative division will be meeting at that time and I’m sure there will be tons to talk about, write about and, yes, even blog about. Are you in the decorative glass loop? If so, I’m looking forward to talking with you in September. See you there!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Eight is Enough
Today is Friday, August 8, 2008 –08-08-08. Are you feeling lucky? The Chinese consider the number 8 lucky and I’m sure many athletes are hoping the number will bring them luck, too, as today hosts the opening ceremonies for the Summer Olympic Games.
Being an Olympic athletic is something many people, including yours truly, at some point have dreamed off. As a kid I so wanted to be an Olympic gymnast; but that dream of mine was just that—a dream—and it’s only for a few people that such a dream comes true. Bear with me as I’m about to stray away from glass, but I’ll make my way back in the end …
The other night I was watching Project Runway (if you’re not familiar, think American Idol for fashion designers) and the contestants were given the challenge to design a uniform for women Olympians to be worn during the opening ceremonies (if you’re interested in knowing, this year’s uniforms were actually designed by Ralph Lauren. Just something to think about as you watch the ceremonies tonight).
Getting to the point … one of the designers created this shiny blue cocktail dress with red trim, which the judges criticized for not being very representative of the Olympics; the contestant said everything else he came up with reminded him of Wonder Woman. To which Michael Kors, one of the show’s judges and a famous designer responded (I’m paraphrasing), “The closest thing to a super hero this country has is an Olympic athlete!” And I just could not have agreed more.
Olympians strive to be the best at what they do—running, gymnastics, swimming, diving—and then they are given the honor to represent their countries at these games. This opportunity allows them to truly show their hard work, dedication and determination.
This year the games are in Beijing, a city that has recently seen major construction activity, upgrades and renovations in preparation for the swarms of people there this month. You can read more about some of the construction projects on www.usgnn.com today. Here’s a couple others that also showcase great glass displays.
The Water Cube is the Olympic Aquatics Center. It’s covered with translucent blue panels to provide an under-water feeling.
There’s also the new terminal at the Beijing Capital Airport (http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-02-26-2733226559_x.htm), which features a huge display of glass and steel.
I am excited to see what other new construction works will unfold for future Olympics; I know for a fact there will be some pretty top-notch jobs showing up in Vancouver for 2010.
Being an Olympic athletic is something many people, including yours truly, at some point have dreamed off. As a kid I so wanted to be an Olympic gymnast; but that dream of mine was just that—a dream—and it’s only for a few people that such a dream comes true. Bear with me as I’m about to stray away from glass, but I’ll make my way back in the end …
The other night I was watching Project Runway (if you’re not familiar, think American Idol for fashion designers) and the contestants were given the challenge to design a uniform for women Olympians to be worn during the opening ceremonies (if you’re interested in knowing, this year’s uniforms were actually designed by Ralph Lauren. Just something to think about as you watch the ceremonies tonight).
Getting to the point … one of the designers created this shiny blue cocktail dress with red trim, which the judges criticized for not being very representative of the Olympics; the contestant said everything else he came up with reminded him of Wonder Woman. To which Michael Kors, one of the show’s judges and a famous designer responded (I’m paraphrasing), “The closest thing to a super hero this country has is an Olympic athlete!” And I just could not have agreed more.
Olympians strive to be the best at what they do—running, gymnastics, swimming, diving—and then they are given the honor to represent their countries at these games. This opportunity allows them to truly show their hard work, dedication and determination.
This year the games are in Beijing, a city that has recently seen major construction activity, upgrades and renovations in preparation for the swarms of people there this month. You can read more about some of the construction projects on www.usgnn.com today. Here’s a couple others that also showcase great glass displays.
The Water Cube is the Olympic Aquatics Center. It’s covered with translucent blue panels to provide an under-water feeling.
There’s also the new terminal at the Beijing Capital Airport (http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-02-26-2733226559_x.htm), which features a huge display of glass and steel.
I am excited to see what other new construction works will unfold for future Olympics; I know for a fact there will be some pretty top-notch jobs showing up in Vancouver for 2010.
Friday, August 1, 2008
A Picture Says 1,000 Words
Last weekend I was lucky enough to visit the Glass Experience at Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry. While it was a really great exhibition and very informative, it was still difficult for me to not provide informative lectures about all the glass displays to the other visitors. So instead, I thought I would share some pictures from my visit with you here.
Pilkington Place: Pilkington’s 20 by 16 foot Wall of Glass features many different types of the company’s glass, including these decorative patterns and textures shown in the top picture below. In addition, there’s also a display of its Profilit U-channel glass (second pic), Planar Structural Glazing System (third pic) and specialty low-E glass.
Recycled and Re-Used Glass: Most everyone these days is searching for ways to re-use everything from furniture to, yes, glass. This picture shows different uses of recycled glass content. Rather decorative, don't you think?
Chihuly's Corner: As soon as I win the lottery I am going to buy myself a Dale Chihuly sculpture. Everything he does is simply incredible. I loved that the exhibition showed several concept drawings of some of the display pieces. It was hard to not be simply awe-struck at the beautiful colors of the Macchia forest. I looked at these structures and then watched the short video on how they are made and all I could think was "My goodness--that's glass?!" Oh ... did I mention it's also a great decorative element?
So there you have it -- a look at the Glass Experience on display in Chicago until September 1. It's definitly worth a visit. Did I mention the decorative displays? Especially exciting given the soon-to-debut Decorative Glass magazine will launch as part of the August USGlass --don't miss it!
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