Artistic Bench Collaboration-"Lazy River"

Our latest artistic endeavor titled "Lazy River."

This month's blog features the latest artistic collaboration from our Studio, which took a total of 5 months to complete. At the very beginning of March we were approached by a city council member of Garden City (adjacent to Boise, the capital of Idaho)  to create an artistic and functional bench, similar to the one we created for the Idaho Falls Arts Council some 15 years ago. She had visited Idaho Falls a couple of years ago, and was impressed with many of the artistic benches that were placed all along the riverfront and our Downtown area. Their city council were interested in having us create a unique bench to be placed along one of their nature paths. Mind you, the project was given a green light before our State went into a "Stay At Home" order because of Covid-19. Luckily that order was lifted in time to deliver the bench by the requested deadline of July. So I suppose I could say we had plenty of time to carry out this labor-intensive project. I will take you through the whole process from conception on paper to the completed bench on the river. 

When asked to create a bench, the design was first conceptualized on paper.  

After approval, it was time to get to work. 

Strips of float glass were cut in a wavy pattern.

They were placed in layers before fusing in the kiln.

Multiple firings in the kiln to create a water effect.

After they slumped, we had to apply a green luster.

Once fired and polished, the design was prepared.

Next came the tedious task of adhering blown glass fish into modeling clay.  

Russ hand carved seaweed, fern alongside the fish. 

Rebar was bent into place for reinforcement. 

The mold is now ready to be filled with concrete.

The first pour completed.

Float glass was added to the top.

Waiting to separate the concrete from the mold.

Success with the first pour. 

Next, to create the columns. 

Much thought went into reinforcing. 

An inside view.

Textured concrete stamps rolled into the form.

Modeling clay on the face of the glass pieces. 

First column poured.

The form is stripped away from the concrete.

Now comes the tedious task of picking out the clay.

Timing was critical to remove the clay before the concrete set up. 

In this picture you can see the steel in-beds in the columns that support the bench. 

Prepping the top.

Fortified concrete was added after final prep. 

Russ getting ready to begin the first assembly.

Ready for an acid stain. 

The stain is an acid-based colorant. 

Disassembled and ready for the long haul to Boise. 

Garden City employees showed up with a crane.

Thank goodness! It weighed almost 1,000 lbs. 

They transferred the pieces into their small trailer. 

This part had me holding my breath. 

Ready to assemble on the nature path.

Teamwork

Laying it out. 

Installing the bolts in the steel in-beds.

Almost there.

Grouting in the center column.

Tedious grouting.

Final touches. 

Blown glass fish accent.

Whew! The project came to fruition!

A nice plaque was added.

Covid-19 can't stop art! 

We were happy to provide this beautiful bench as a natural aesthetic for fellow Idahoans to enjoy.  It is located by the Nature path along the Boise River in Garden City, Idaho. We hope the local residents get many years of enjoyment from this latest piece of art produced by A Touch of Glass Studio. Until next time, stay safe out there.

September Mornings

                

                    September is a great time for reflecting down the paths of memory lane.

September in Idaho reminds me of a warm, cozy blanket. I find myself wrapped up in the warm glow of the lights reflecting just right off  the high mountain peaks. This is where the two of us feel most at home, along with the companionship of our dog pack. Whether it's a long-forgotten path to walk, or peace and serenity at a high mountain lake, we enjoy it all. The nights are crisp and Fall is in the air. At the beginning of the month we treat ourselves to one last camping trip, as we know the holiday rush will keep us hopping soon enough, from one project to another in the Studio.

Our favorite getaway for September was this high mountain lake.

Our pups patiently waiting for us to catch the lake trout for dinner.

 The high mountain lake always provides us with plenty of small lake trout, and a sense of wonder at the beauty of it all. 

 We are also busy harvesting the garden during the month of September, canning much of the fruits and vegetables we have grown over the summer. Also, we love to take Fall walks  down familiar trails while enjoying the Autumn air.

Our apple trees are loaded this year.

September harvesting takes a good amount of time.

Having had a chance to enjoy the great outdoors,  Russ' creativity has increased this month. (Funny how that works.) Pictured below are some of the new projects he has completed in the Studio. The first piece has LED lights added for a nice glow, and would look great on a fireplace mantel. The wolf was screen printed, which is a new element we are adding to some of the glass works this year. There are also new designs to try out on fused glass bowls and plates, pictured below.

Screen Print of a Wolf in the Glass Mountain Peak.

Slumped and Fused Piece- "Fallen"

Slumped and fused aqua beads

Fused glass with dichroic accents

I say it every year, but Fall is the favorite season by far. We aren't so busy that we can't enjoy the beauty of the Fall mornings with many outdoor walks. The inspiration from what we perceive outside, carries on to creations in the Studio. Much like the Aspen scene below, combining Slumped and Fused with blown glass leaves. So out we go into the woods again, to gather inspiration for the next glass art work. Until next time, I hope you can take some time to enjoy all the sights and smells of  glorious Fall.

Fused Art with Blown glass accents