09 Glassblowing

Glassblowing

Terrarium detail by Germarilis Ruiz Galloza

The technique of blown glass, known as glassblowing, is an art performed at temperatures close to 1200 degrees Celsius, commonly using borosilicate glass for its resistance and ability to be reheated and welded, which allows for modifying or adding parts to an existing piece. The process involves heating the glass, shaping it with tools like pliers and fire, and then gradually cooling it to prevent stresses that can cause breakage. The piece must have an air outlet to prevent fractures from internal pressure. The choice of the appropriate blow tube, depending on the desired size and shape, is fundamental. The pillars of this technique are precise temperature control, uniform heat distribution, gradual cooling, ensuring an air outlet, and choosing the correct tools.

Terrarium

• Luminico module 2L
• Smart Citizen Sensor
• Hardwood sawdust: 500g
• Hardwood wood shavings: 100g
• Brown rice flour: 50g
• Calcium sulfate: 10g
• Calcium carbonate: 5g (pH regulator)

Humidity and Nutrients:

• Distilled water: 300-500ml
• Malt extract or potato starch: 5g
• Liquid culture: 50-100g

During 5 days of intensive classes, I took glassblowing lessons with Magdalena Puig, founder of Delirio Studio. There, I learned to create the base for blowing a glass shape using solid and hollow rods of varying thicknesses. My teacher also taught me how to create seamless joints to connect the glass uniformly and prevent breakage. After several attempts at shapes and textures, we began creating terrarium-scale pieces and adding material in different areas to enhance the reflection of bioluminescence. All the blown glass pieces were prototyped with 3 holes: oxygen, nutrients, and humidity.

Delirio Studio:

Through flameworking and glassblowing, Delirio Studio create one-of-a-kind wearable art—each piece handcrafted without molds for true individuality. Committed to sustainable craftsmanship, we use borosilicate glass, a durable and eco-friendly material that combines beauty and strength.

Glassblowing

• The first step in creating blown glass is to join the glass rods. For this, a solid rod and a hollow rod are used. Then, both are heated and fused, starting to rotate until a ball is formed. Once the mass is obtained, it begins to be stretched to create a channel that can be blown into. It's important to maintain balance when stretching the glass so that the rod remains as straight as possible.

• Next, we begin heating the centerpiece that we will be blowing. To ensure the piece heats evenly, it can be placed diagonally. When heating the piece, it's important to have one hand above and one below, this will help create balance while heating the glass. Once the glass has an orange color, you can begin to blow.

• To create organic shapes, you can heat certain areas more than others and blow slowly. During blowing, if the piece sags, it means it is too hot and/or the material is too thin.

• To create holes, you can heat a significant area and then blow until you create a thin bubble of glass. You can also remove material by heating it and gently pulling it with pliers. It will depend on the size you need to create the hole.

Small scale terrarium prototype

Geometry exploration

Medium scale terrarium prototype