If you play with fire, you’re bound to get burned or you might just create some really spectacular works of art. The latter is the case with six maestros of flameworking whose work will be on display at an upcoming exhibit at the Philabaum Glass Gallery & Studio.
The exhibit, Playing with Fire, brings together glass artists from across the country who specialize in flameworking, a technique that dates back to the 1800s, said local glass legend Tom Philabaum. The method involves the use of borosilicate glass, which is harder than glass used for glass-blowing, manipulated by a high-heat propane or oxygen torch.
“To make art from flamework glass you have to be a brave person and have patience. Some people pick it up quickly but it takes while to learn it and like all things it requires practice, practice, practice because you have to learn what the flame does, what the glass does.”
The art will vary from small works like Margaret Zinser’s nature inspired jewelry beads to larger works like a kinetic marble machine created by Bandhu Dunham and life-size sculptures fired by Robert Mickelsen.
Featuring Loy Allen, Bandhu Dunham, Kathleen Elliot, Shane Fero, Robert Mickelsen and Margaret Zinser, the exhibit opens Sept. 25 and runs through Nov. 11 at 711 S. Sixth Ave. A reception is scheduled for Oct. 2 as part of The Big Picture, an event organized by the Central Tucson Gallery Association. Visit Philabaum Glass Gallery & Studio for details.
