Papers will be presented by their authors on Wed (time TBD) This public presentation of research being done in our field is a rare opportunity to meet those pushing the frontiers of scientific glassblowing.
Interdisciplinary Scientific Glassblowing: Art-Inspired Glass Instruments Tracy Drier, Paul Vanouse, Lauren Aria
In 2023, Paul Vanouse, a Buffalo, NY based Biological, multimedia (non-glass) artist was offered residency at Pilchuck glass school in Washington state. We worked together for one week on the UTTER and Reversible Drip Device (RDD). This collaboration has pushed each practitioner to do things that they hadn’t imagined independently, which has broader implications for their disciplines as well as for the broader public appreciation of how art and science connect. Concepts, processes, collaborations, and techniques will be presented.
Review of Franz Cells Nolan Galb
Review of the 1975 paper from which the jacketed diffusion cell originally designed to study percutaneous adsorption in vitro (Franz cell) now marketed by PermeGear Inc. and others originated; description of the types of cells currently available and their uses, and some notes on their construction.
Alternative Methods of Learning for Young Glassblowers Moving into Glassblowing Careers Lauren Aria and Tracy Drier
This paper is intended for young glassblowers and students at Salem Community College to learn more about the skill sets and responsibilities of University glassblowers. In addition, Lauren will talk significantly about the structure of my experience as a student worker in the UW Glass Shop, transitioning to a full-time staff member at the University. She will discuss transitions of knowledge and power between tenured glassblowers with over twenty years of on-site experience to much younger glassblowers moving into the profession for the first time.
Are We Running Out of Glass? Charlie Manion
This paper will dive deep into silica mining and the glass supply chain, investigating the causes and wider implications of the shortage (if it is indeed real), its relationship to sustainable object production, and the role glassmakers and glass educators can play in maintaining the glass industry’s health.
Ergonomics of Scientific Glassblowing Robin DeGroof
This paper will present an in depth study of the human body’s interaction with the act of scientific glassblowing. A particular interest in the musculoskeletal and soft tissue impacts will be taken while analyzing the human anatomy, posture, gestures, and “moves” of scientific glassblowing. With a keen understanding of how the body works while flameworking, glassblowers can build strengths and flexibility to avoid injury and increase efficiency or even proficiency.
