G20-004 pate de verre (glass) retailer vessel

pate de verre (glass) vessel

approximately 4 1/2" high x 4" diameter

Pate de verre (literally "paste of glass") is a method of glass kiln casting. I construct a plaster mold from a wheel-thrown or hand-built clay piece. I then mix crushed colored glass (frit) the consistency of sand retailer with a binding agent to form a paste. I apply several layers of this paste as well as glass powders to the inside of the mold, and then fire it to the point where the glass frit fuses without completely melting together to retain the sandy texture. After cooling, the mold is broken away. Each piece requires a new mold, and is therefor unique.

This piece is porous and should not be used for food or liquids.