Abstract

This research explored the creative potential of the phenomenon of
“bloom”, a matt film caused by the expansion of the tin-containing
layer on the surface of float glass that occurs when it is reheated to
temperatures above 600° C. “Bloom” has long been regarded as a
problem, both in industry and by artists using float glass for kilnforming.
Under specific conditions designed to stretch the glass the expansion
of the tin-containing layer can be controlled sufficiently to produce a
new surface effect similar to iridescence, instead of a matt film. The
research examined ways of using the new surface to create images in
glass. In addition, the hardness of the tin in relation to the glass causes
the images to form slight low relief. The visual effects can be
contrasted with those of existing methods of creating surfaces on glass
and with methods of forming low relief in glass, in being lightreflecting
and integral to the medium itself. While the effects are quite
subtle, methods derived from creative practice were developed to
create artworks that exploited their unique visual characteristics.
These are composed of imagery, glass and light.
The research has been approached from the perspective of an artist
working with the medium of glass. Its purpose was to explain and
control the effects sufficiently in order to use them for creative
expression.
The submission consists of a body of artwork and a written thesis.