After gathering, the glassblower uses
their breath to blow air into the molten glass on the end of the blowpipe. This
technique inflates the glass, allowing the artist to control its shape and
size.
Process: After gathering, the
glassblower blows gently into the blowpipe to introduce air into the gathered
glass. This inflation process expands the glass and shapes it. The glassblower
controls the amount of air blown to maintain the desired thickness and form.
Use: Blowing is crucial for
creating hollow glass forms such as vases, bowls, and glass sculptures. By
blowing into the gather, the glassblower can control the size and shape of the
final piece.
Observations: During blowing, glassblowers should pay close
attention to the expansion of the glass. They must monitor the pressure applied
to the blowpipe to achieve the desired thickness and shape. It's essential to
avoid over-inflating the glass, which can cause it to thin out too much. The blowing action is more often done after marving or blocking but not directly after the gathering.
Cognitive Process: The glassblower must gauge the appropriate amount of
air to introduce into the molten glass. They use their breath to control the
expansion, requiring a keen sense of timing and an understanding of how air
pressure affects the glass's shape and thickness.
Safety Considerations:
- Use a blow hose or blowpipe
with a mouthpiece to avoid direct contact between the mouth and the hot glass.
-
Maintain proper distance from
the hot glass to prevent burns.
-
Be cautious of over-inflating
the glass, which can lead to thinning and potential rupture.
Perceptual stimuli:
- Visual Perception: Glassblowers watch for the
expansion and shape of the glass as they blow air into it. Visual cues help
them control the thickness and form.
-
Auditory Perception: They listen for subtle sounds
like crackling or hissing, which indicate the glass's state and temperature.