Requirements
This major field of study provides a specialised focus on art education with glass as material. Therefore some basic knowledge about glass or a special training with glass is beneficial.
Students attend some general lectures in art history and they learn some basics about the material glass before they go into more detail.
In addition to working with glass they get involved in general graphic and sculptural design, in a later stage of their study they get familiar with art theory, photography, building design and calligraphy.
Introduction
Students learn the main features of glassmaking. They hear about the movement studio glass, which has been a synonym for the artistic discussion with glass since the early 60s. Students are taught how different technical facilities of expression means have developed over time. They get to know the different methods of creating a melt which have been established over the course of the last 30 years.
Students investigate different tools and techniques that either have a tradition in this trade or those that have been newly introduced. They learn about the basics of glass chemistry, the correlation of chemistry and the physical properties of glass, the special features of glass processing and different ways of cooling.
Hot work
During their study all students focus on putting the theory of glassmaking into practice. They are supported in two ways in their practical work: They learn to master the material. Likewise they develop the ability to express their style, their personal message with the material. For this purpose they learn all methods of glass processing ranging from blowing, casting, drawing and sintering.
They are encouraged to produce a masterpiece using one of these techniques. The major focus here is the seriousness of the creative mode of expression and an individual message of the work pieces.
Exchange of ideas
As part of an exchange programme students will have the opportunity to meet fellow artists of other universities with a similar idea either in Höhr-Grenzhausen or they can visit other universities and art colleges. Management and staff care very much about the exchange programme with respect to a personal formation of an independent artistic statement.
Regular field trips and a particular emphasis on art history are supposed to improve students� critical reflection of their work in comparison with contemporary art.
Exhibition participation, competitions, art in construction, entering a dialogue with exhibition organizers, curators and gallery owners are part of the course programme and should support students� access to independent creative activities and discover the wealth of artistic areas of activity.
Relevance of the training for the glass industry
The course aims at developing and promoting the creative character of a student. There is particular emphasis on free creative design as well as the applied design associated with industrial production (glass designer) and during the training phase the advancement of students in both directions will be taken into account. Additionally, there will also be the opportunity for future glass engineers of the Faculty Material Engineering Glass and Ceramics to get involved with melting vessels and glass specific problems they might have to face at the installation on site. The cooperation with engineering is pursued. Another option is scientific trials with refractory materials using the existing vessel or investigating the processability of glass.
