December 2024 Newsletter

Art in the Shop: Malcom Potek

Bicycle Accident (2007) is a striking, asymmetrical composition that combines vibrant, saturated hues with layered glass elements, creating a dynamic interplay of color and texture. The artwork, constructed from multiple elements fused through diverse firing techniques, features a bicycle wheel positioned against a radiant sun, with spokes and rays extending through fields of shimmering tones.

This piece was made in response to the second Gulf War when Americans were asked to understand a world where our dependence on oil was the cause of the war, but no sacrifices were asked to relieve that dependence. In fact there were pleas to continue to act "normaly" in the face of the impact of the Gulf Wars, particularly the tension between the reality of war and the call for normalcy by then-President Bush, who encouraged Americans to "go shopping" in defiance of fear. The work merges beauty and disruption, with the flowing colors both uniting and dividing the composition.

While the vibrant colors and flowing shapes of this piece may captivate us with their sheer beauty, the story behind its creation adds another layer of meaning. Understanding an artist's inspiration provides us with a glimpse into their process of making an artwork. This glass piece invites us to enjoy its visual rhythm while contemplating the experiences and emotions that shaped its creation. 

Featured Artwork:

Bicycle Accident

Malcom Potek

2007

21″ x 14″

Bullseye sheet glass and frit.

Artist in the World: Joep Nicolas

Joep Nicolas, a Dutch-born French artist, was renowned for his innovative contributions to stained glass art, earning him the title "father of modern stained glass." Born into a family of stained glass artisans, he mastered the craft in his family's studio, established in 1855. Breaking from the neo-Gothic tradition, Nicolas revolutionized glass art, winning first prize at the 1925 Art Deco exhibition in Paris and patenting the vermurail glazing technique in 1935. His work emphasized storytelling, using religious symbols and scripture as imaginative, visionary themes.

Beyond stained glass, he excelled in mural painting, book illustration, costume design, and portrait painting. His legacy endures through his daughter, Sylvia Nicolas, who continues the family tradition as a stained glass artist, costume designer, and mosaicist, focusing on the intricacies of human nature.

Joep Nicolas passed away in 1972, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.

Upcoming Classes at Potekglass

Santa's Workshop: Holiday Ornament-Making Class

Saturday December 5th, 4:00 pm

Cost: $65

Celebrate the season with creativity at Potekglass’s Santa’s Workshop: Holiday Ornament-Making Class! This special, festive session is perfect for crafting unique, handmade ornaments that will bring joy to your family and friends. In this 4-hour class, you’ll learn how to create one of four, fun ornament designs. All supplies provided to complete your first 4 pieces. With our spacious studio and large, beautiful kilns, Santa’s Workshop is a rare and festive offering to celebrate the holidays creatively. This will go fast!

Try-iT! Icicles, Dewdrops, and Pine Trees

Thursday December 12th, 5pm

Cost: $95

Embrace the beauty of winter with our 'Icicles, Dewdrops, and Pine Trees: Make-It Workshop! In this fun and creative class, you’ll learn to shape glass into delicate icicles, sparkling dewdrops, and charming pine trees, perfect as seasonal decorations or handmade gifts. No prior experience is needed—just bring your enthusiasm! Expect to finish 2-3 unique ornaments to take home and enjoy.

Stained Glass Panel Lamp

January 9th - 30th, Saturdays 2 - 4pm

Cost: $115 + glass, tools and supplies

Enter the world of 3-D stained glass creation! In this 4-week class you'll create a multi-sided panel lamp shade using the copper-foil method. Learn what makes a good lamp shade design, and techniques for successful shade construction.

Try-iT: Basics in Boron
Thursday January 2nd, 5pm

Cost: $95

Discover the sculptural potential of scientific Borosilicate named for the element boron, which is added as a flux to create an American hard glass! Students will explore torchwork basics and each skill taught will culminate in a project after hands-on practice. Through out this 3 hour class we will gather molten glass to create a small paperweight, smash and twirl an icicle ornament, and experiment with glassblowing to create a small figure. No experience or supplies necessary. Class cost covers glass and student tool kit rental for the session.

Glass Painting with John Sandy

January 9th - 30th, Thursdays 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Cost: $115 + glass, tools and supplies

Join us for an immersive four-week course (2-hour sessions) where you'll dive into the traditional techniques of glass painting under the expert guidance of John Sandy. Explore the rich history of this beautiful art form while learning hands-on techniques to bring your designs to life. Together, we’ll choose a pattern, master tracing methods, discuss firing temperatures, and refine your work with step-by-step guidance and constructive critiques. We will have a recommended list of tools, brushes and paints that we will have for purchase at the shop if need be.

Sheet of the Week Playlist

• "Côte à côte" by Mike Clay
  • Sheet: Y6314SP White, Blue, Purple, Green Stipple

• "My Favorite Things" by Grant Green
  • Sheet: YU00756 Emerald Green, Spring Green, Light Green Mottle

• "Red Clay" by Freddie Hubbard
  • Sheet: YOC350 Orange

• "For What It's Worth" by Sérgio Mendes
  • Sheet: 3116-30 Turquoise Blue, White