Melted Mountain Glass
All my life I (Kyle Wideman) have been an artist, and three years ago I began working with glass. What originally began as a hobby soon developed into a passion. I like to say I make functional art such as: terrariums, vases, sculptures, and musical equipment - like glass slides for guitars. Two years ago I opened my own studio on Highway 194 in Boone, NC. Currently my work is available at glass shops in the region, on etsy.com, and at my band’s performances.
I am applying for the SEAM grant to purchase tools for my studio. These tools will take my skills to the next level and allow me to produce work in the style of venetian Italian glass. In addition to expanding my ability to create unique items, increase revenue, and save time. The tools listed in the budget below will create new opportunities in my work. They are smaller and more transportable than most equipment, allowing me to take these on go and work wherever I have access to a kiln.
Budget:
Taurus 3 Ring Saw - $380 Product # GR9
Total: $678.88
I am applying for the SEAM grant to purchase tools for my studio. These tools will take my skills to the next level and allow me to produce work in the style of venetian Italian glass. In addition to expanding my ability to create unique items, increase revenue, and save time. The tools listed in the budget below will create new opportunities in my work. They are smaller and more transportable than most equipment, allowing me to take these on go and work wherever I have access to a kiln.
Budget:
Taurus 3 Ring Saw - $380 Product # GR9
- The ring saw cuts very precise measurements, this will open up my business options. I will be able to make lab equipment, stained glass windows, etc.
- This small hand-held torch with a fine, pencil-like flame for accessing small places not accessible with your bench torch, because the flame is too large, this leads to an uneven structure and stress fractures. The smaller flame also allows for more intricate detail to make fine art.
- The graphite surface of the molding tool makes it possible to form and mold the glass. The glass is molten for most of the process and because of this you can’t touch with your hands. Without using a graphite tool your work will be uneven and can fracture in the kiln.
- Ground Joints are for fitted glass. So you can create larger functional pieces which come apart and fit back together for example a wine decanter. These tools create perfectly sealed joints in glass.
- Glass cannot touch your bench surface because it will pick up debris, or burn holes in your table. I need a larger surface for molding and this pad will provide that.
Total: $678.88
