Glass fusing is the joining together of pieces of glass at high temperature, usually in a kiln. This is usually done roughly between 700 °C (1,292 °F) and 820 °C (1,510 °F), and can range from tack fusing at lower temperatures, in which separate pieces of glass stick together but still retain their individual shapes, to full fusing at higher ones, in which separate pieces merge smoothly into one another.
While the precise origins of glass fusing techniques are not known with certainty, there is archeological evidence that the Egyptians were familiar with techniques ca. 2000 BCE. Although this date is generally accepted by researchers, some historians argue that the earliest fusing techniques were first developed by the Romans, who were much more prolific glassworkers. Fusing was the primary method of making small glass objects for approximately 2,000 years, until the development of the glass blowpipe. Glassblowing largely supplanted fusing due to its greater efficiency and utility.
While glass working in general enjoyed a revival during the Renaissance, fusing was largely ignored during this period. Fusing began to regain popularity in the early part of the 20th century, particularly in the U.S. during the 1960s. Modern glass fusing is a widespread hobby, but the technique is also gaining popularity in the world of fine art. For the month of January 2023, I will continue to take Glass Fused Classes at the Harlam Arts Council. For more information please visit - Harlem Arts Council
References
"Glass Fusing Basics | Methods & Ideas". www.bullseyeglass.com.
"What is "Fused" Glass?". FusedGlass.Org. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
"Glass Fusing - Fusing". www.delphiglass.com. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
"Heat & Glass" (PDF). www.bullseyeglass.com. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
"What is tack-fusing?". www.bullseyeglass.com. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
"The Four Main Stages in Firing Glass" (PDF). www.spectrumglass.com. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
Gil Reynolds: The Fused Glass Handbook. Hidden Valley Books; Scottsdale, Arizona 1987, ISBN 0-915807-02-5
Boyce Lundstrom: Kiln Firing Glass. Vitreous Publications; Colton, Oregon 1983, ISBN 0-9612282-3-7
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