Glass is the pride of craftsmanship in my hometown of Hsinchu, Taiwan. In 1925 Silica sand and natural gas, which are essential for glassmaking, were discovered along the western coastal region and heralded the birth of Hsinchu's glass industry. From fishing floats and wine bottles to laboratory equipment and light bulbs, the industry flourished until the establishment of the Hsinchu Science Park in 1980, which shifted its focus from artisanal and everyday glass products to high-tech precision products like LCD screens and glass wafers, leading to a gradual decline in traditional glass craftsmanship.
As an educator, concerned with cultural heritage, I delve into the causes behind this artform’s endangerment; the difficulty in accessing materials, the high-specificity of equipment, the risks associated with the crafting process including the extreme temperatures required for blowing glass, a shortage of qualified teachers, and a general lack of awareness about the material, all of which have contributed to its demise.
This research project begins with an understanding of material characteristics, showcasing the translucence, refraction, and reflective qualities of glass. By employing simple techniques like cutting and layering flat glass, combined with acrylic and acetate (materials that share similar characteristics to glass, but are more widely accessible and easier to use) I address these challenges to enhance safety and accessibility working with ‘glass art’.
This exhibition is an explorative and innovative journey demonstrating the rejuvenation of traditional crafts in contemporary society. Through art education, we not only preserve an endangered craft but also expand the understanding and definition of glass. By hanging ready-made glass objects like fishing floats and wine bottles, and introducing mirror into the architectural space, I transform space with light and shadow — creating a dynamic environment where the viewer becomes part of the ‘glass’ temporal dance. My work aims to rekindle appreciation for the pure beauty of glass craftsmanship, revealing the interplay of light, shadow and space in everyday life, highlighting the unique properties and aesthetic value of ‘glass’.
This research project begins with an understanding of material characteristics, showcasing the translucence, refraction, and reflective qualities of glass. By employing simple techniques like cutting and layering flat glass, combined with acrylic and acetate (materials that share similar characteristics to glass, but are more widely accessible and easier to use) I address these challenges to enhance safety and accessibility working with ‘glass art’.
This exhibition is an explorative and innovative journey demonstrating the rejuvenation of traditional crafts in contemporary society. Through art education, we not only preserve an endangered craft but also expand the understanding and definition of glass. By hanging ready-made glass objects like fishing floats and wine bottles, and introducing mirror into the architectural space, I transform space with light and shadow — creating a dynamic environment where the viewer becomes part of the ‘glass’ temporal dance. My work aims to rekindle appreciation for the pure beauty of glass craftsmanship, revealing the interplay of light, shadow and space in everyday life, highlighting the unique properties and aesthetic value of ‘glass’.