Glass camp! Well, officially, a flameworking workshop at the Studio at Corning Museum of Glass. It has been amazing, although, no joke - we’re at demonstrations or tours or behind the torch from 9am to 11pm, with breaks for meals and to gawk at the amazing artwork people are making from glass. I am really craving more time to wander around the museum itself - I have about 10 new favorite artists, and I’ve only been on two short tours.

One fabulous thing about this program is there are glass artists at all stages of their careers, from total beginners to people who have pieces in museums and public art installations. I’ve been totally inspired by the work the instructors are doing as well as the other students. Everybody has been really generous with teaching each other how to do simple things - we’ve developed a great sense of comraderie over the last few days.

Our flameworking class is taught by Alex Hamilton, who is a very accomplished flameworker, so I am always pleasantly suprised when he patiently shows me how to make the simplest beads directly after making something really mindblowing (like turning glass on a lathe!)

I’ve been concentrating on making beads with the system 96 glass I prefer to work with when I’m fusing. Its a learning experience… perhaps the first one I’ve had where there is exploding glass every few minutes. Thus far I’ve only had a few minor burns and managed to only sit on *one* glass shard. Considering how accident prone I am, I think that’s pretty impressive.

Anyhow, I’ve got 2 more days here, and tons to do and see, so I’m heading to bed. I can’t wait to share more stories and pictures with y’all!