Schooling? Workshops?

[foon]

Hello again,
I am curious as to your opinions on where to find the best possible training and education in flameworking. Pilchuck seems to be offhand oriented, I considered Revere Glass but have been hearing too much negative feedback to merit spending thousands to move down there from oregon. Any advice fine people of the Melting Pot? You have never given me bad advice!
Thanks
Colin

[hwcglass]

Well, first off, I'm happy that you are in a place to be considering such a move. Good to go is a good place to be.

Second, try the search function on this site for 'schools' and I bet you get a number of interesting leads.

Mainly I want to say consider getting a lampworking job.

Perhaps among the list of lampworkers whose work you respect there is someone, maybe a few someones, looking for some motivated help. This way you can learn while you earn.

My suggestion to you is that you hunt for the perfect job. Look for learning opportunities and fair to fair-and-then-some pay. A boss who you respect as a craftsman (or woman) who is not a total doosh. These positions are out there and many people that 'are not looking to hire anyone' really would hire you if you pushed yourself.

I'm big on people going after what they want.

I love seeing people fight it out.

I applaud your efforts.

One of the best things about lampworking is what it can give you. Education is a big one. Revere Glass or Rutgers University, your lampwork will pay for it all.

Me personally, if I had skills in lampworking I wanted to chase, I would look to get hired. Educated and compensated. It's a real ticket. An opportunity to pull your weight. Prove your salt and improve your skills

I don't want to be one to dissuade anyone from going to school (god knows this world needs educated people) but if you are looking to dial it in on the bench, school ain't gonna mix the mustard IMO.

Get a hair cut and get a real job.

[LTD]

Come on down to Eugene and get yer ass to work! Classes at the EGS, and plenty of folks with skills all over town.

[jes]

The only REALLY BAD advice I can give is dont try to learn anything from anyone...


But seriously I am wanting to always learn more too and learning from people who have spent what seems like a lifetime or more diligently honing their skills seems like a good idea to me too... WOW are their super talented folks around every size shape gender and color with so many different things to share!

I am also very curious as to what people will have to say, because a great way to learn is from people who can teach or show another their certain ways of doing things.

[sunray]

Scott Deppe class coming up in 2 weeks at Trev's Glass in Washington
You could always start taking classes and get your skill level up

[Shatner]

How advanced of a class? And PROPS(!) on getting some schooling

I've taken two at Carlisle School of Glass Art. I took one with Shannon Hill (R.I.P, Brother, you're missed and we love you) for goblet making and one with Barry Laffler just to hone my work with tube. I learned how to work standard wall, thanks to Barry plus much more

Back on topic. That's the only school I've attended. You can't make pipes there, but everything that I learned there did make my pipes much nicer, upon returning and practicing more.

Austin Flame Works is another.

Cornerstone

Trev's

Rutger's

And I, personally, haven't heard anything negative about Revere and their clases. I was considering taking my next class their.

And there's always talking to a local and asking if s/he'll teach you for a price for a month or so.

Personally, I love to travel. So going to classes away from home is always nice.

Remember: Most importantly, have fun!


Well, first off, I'm happy that you are in a place to be considering such a move. Good to go is a good place to be.

Second, try the search function on this site for 'schools' and I bet you get a number of interesting leads.

Mainly I want to say consider getting a lampworking job.

Perhaps among the list of lampworkers whose work you respect there is someone, maybe a few someones, looking for some motivated help. This way you can learn while you earn.

My suggestion to you is that you hunt for the perfect job. Look for learning opportunities and fair to fair-and-then-some pay. A boss who you respect as a craftsman (or woman) who is not a total doosh. These positions are out there and many people that 'are not looking to hire anyone' really would hire you if you pushed yourself.

I'm big on people going after what they want.

I love seeing people fight it out.

I applaud your efforts.

One of the best things about lampworking is what it can give you. Education is a big one. Revere Glass or Rutgers University, your lampwork will pay for it all.

Me personally, if I had skills in lampworking I wanted to chase, I would look to get hired. Educated and compensated. It's a real ticket. An opportunity to pull your weight. Prove your salt and improve your skills

I don't want to be one to dissuade anyone from going to school (god knows this world needs educated people) but if you are looking to dial it in on the bench, school ain't gonna mix the mustard IMO.

Get a hair cut and get a real job.

I also agree wth HWC. Unless you're the shop bitch for most of your time. That shit is wack and really sucks! Also, you won't learn very much in an environment that you resent, like if you where the shop bitch. Nothing gets in the way of an artistic passion than having a rensentment towards the place/people you melt with. Glass is supposed to be fun.

Again,
Good luck!

[foon]

Incredible! Thank you everyone!! I have been apprenticing with "Sheepdawg" down in Corvallis for about a year and a half now and plan to continue. I would like to take any and all classes available to flameworkers at EGS except there seems to be few regularly available so I have considered getting some private one on one training there with one of the instructors. And Luke, how might I get down there to Cornerstone and get some time learning from all that melt there? As for the Scotte Deppe class, I would love to sign up for that!! Just tell me how and and ill jump right on that! And Shatner, like you I am more than willing to travel a bit for the proper training, I am in search of classes on any skill level (except for beginnner) I figure there is more than a lifetime of knowledge to gain so I better start gathering as much as I can before I die! Thanks to all here who have taken the time to share your thoughts and wisdom with me, HWC, Luke, Jess, Sunray, Shatner, you all make this place amazing!

PS if anybody knows the secret magical and mystical way of getting lessons or workshops with Eusheen please tell me, I may even trade several magic beans for this knowledge ;)

[foon]

Everyday I wish there was the perfect and complete 4 year college for lampworkers. A school where you lived on campus, had a regular terms complete with a full schedule each term, studied with the top glass artists in the world and payed a regular tuition. Is this too much to ask?

[sunray]

For Scott Deppe's class on the 13th-14th-15th
I'm sure you'll learn a lot here from some of the others taking the class too.
Looks like a great group of blowers!
call me at 360-652-8642

[Braden Hammond]

Everyday I wish there was the perfect and complete 4 year college for lampworkers. A school where you lived on campus, had a regular terms complete with a full schedule each term, studied with the top glass artists in the world and payed a regular tuition. Is this too much to ask?

Salem Community College is your answer... http://www.salemcc.edu/glass/

[LTD]

Come on down and rent a bench for a week or two.

[foon]

Oh my god! I have heard about Salem CC but never knew it was as incredible as it really is! Thank you for your link Braden! Do you know if they offer specific courses for an individual seeking training in lampworking? or do you get a bit of everything? I am going to call and talk to them Ill post back information I gather. Thanks again

[foon]

Sunray I will be calling you, thank you very much for the info on this class, it looks like something I would be very interested in!
And Luke, how much does it cost to rent a bench for 2 weeks down there? And I would probably need to find somewhere to stay because I wouldnt want to commute from salem every day!

[LTD]

I think it is $150-175 a week. Can't remember. There is a hostel right up the block.

[stackerson]

have you tried calling eush? hes a pretty nice guy, might be worth a shot!

[foon]

I have sent him messages and havent heard back. The guy is probably incredibly busy all the time, I should try giving him a call though, do you know where to find his number?

[LTD]

He is on FB all the time

[LTD]

And his number is listed in his info on FB

[foon]

Ill give him a call, I just dont want to bother him if he isnt interested..

[hwcglass]

Don't bother him unless you are interested.

[foon]

Oh Im very interested. I would not waste anybodies time for any reason if I was not interested. I just know he probably gets this frequently from many aspiring glass artists.

[davidwillisglass]

Taking classes is great, learn from people who can do things you would like to be able to do and you can't really go wrong.

Personally i've had great experiences at Pilchuck (9 summers so far). Roger parramore, sally prasch, and cesare toffolo... definitely some lampworking there. (i'm proud to be teaching this summer).

Also it is a unique place to learn about glass. You can take a lampworking class and still have the opportunity to learn about coldworking, offhand glassblowing, kiln casting, art, etc. You will also spend an intense few weeks surrounded by people who are all interested in/involved with/passionate about glass at a place with the facilities to do anything. When it comes down to it glass is glass, if you want to work with it you should know as much about it (and working it) as possible.

It is pricey but for me has been worth every penny, they also have a great scholarship program as well as the possibility to work on the summer staff, although being a student is the best.

[daveabr]

If you are near the midwest, we have a couple great classes lined up for this year. The highlight for sure being Suellen Fowler in May. We also have Sabina and Jen Newtson coming

[foon]

Thank you David, I have been looking into Pilchuck and was very interested specifically in taking your class there this summer, I would love to play with other forms of glass, I have done a little offhand before and found it another great experience in itself. At this point I dont have an unlimited amount of money for college set aside and glass is my school, but I want to focus specifically on flameworking. If you think that I would get a thorough enough flameworking experience from pilchuck as well as other forms of glass then I am very eager to attend. You work is incredible and my instructor/friend Dave Roller has told me how great a teacher you are! I would love to get to know you and learn all I can from you!
Thank you,
Colin

[foon]

Hi Dave, thank you. I actually took the Sabina classes this past october and had a wonderful experience! I am right here in Salem Oregon and I would love to take the Suellen, Sabina, and Jen Newtson classes!

[davidwillisglass]

Thanks for the nice words Colin, i hope to meet you too.

Feel free to email me if you have any other questions.

davidwillisglass@hotmail.com