The Sustaining Beauty Project is dedicated to transforming waste glass into exceptionally beautiful works of art.
During the spring of 2011, I embarked on the Sustaining Beauty project, while in residence at Salado Arts Workshop. The goal was to create a series of three-dimensional art pieces solely from recycled glass, using a combination of hot (glass blowing, flame working), warm (kiln-forming), and cold (cutting, grinding) techniques. I wanted to create work that was so beautiful, no one would ever think that each piece started out as a pile of trash. However, this is easier than it sounds. You see, while all glass can be melted, not all glass can be combined--different formulations will expand and contract at different rates as they are heated and cooled. If you combine glass that is incompatible, the piece will not survive the firing process.
So, the first challenge was to identify a supply of waste glass and then develop processes for cleaning it and testing it for compatibility before incorporating it into a piece of art. In the beginning, there were failures and disappointments as I learned what worked and what did not. Eventually, these experiments gave rise to a reliable process and a beautiful series of 12 vases, bowls, and wall-mounted compositions.
Next, I had to test the public's response to the work by offering it for sale--after all if no one enjoyed the work, what was the point! The response was overwhelmingly positive--many of the pieces sold before they were fully finished, while others incited bidding wars at various charity auctions. I had found something that the public definitely wanted.
Sadly, a few weeks later, the project was halted when Salado Arts Workshop announced that it would close its glass studio due to a lack of funding. This meant that I would no longer have access to the large kilns and grinders necessary to produce this kind of work. The goal of this kickstarter is to fund the purchase and installation of equipment necessary to allow this project to continue. In addition to creating more vases, bowls, and wall-hung art, I would like to create a large sculptural installation for public display.
As an expression of my gratitude, contributors will receive a variety of items, including signed, one of a kind works of art created using the methods developed in Phase 1 of the project, using the equipment that you helped me purchase.
**The piano improvisation, "Second of February" by Science Teheran, is used with permission in this video, under the terms of a Creative Commons license.
FAQ
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Yes, folks, even though I strive for excellance in everything, I do occasionally make a mistake. The correct pledge amount required to receive a fruit bowl is $250, not $500. I apologize for any confusion.
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Since a project does not receive any funding unless it receives enough pledges to meet or exceed its goal, your credit card will not be charged until the kickstarter ends, and only if the project reaches its goal. This kickstarter ends on Sunday, June 3.
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Definitely! The more people that see this proposal, the better its chance for success. So please, please, please tell others, and if possible show them the proposal. If you cannot show them in person, email them a link to this page.
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No, I was just trying to be a nice person. You see, project owners are only required to thank people if the project succeeds. However, even if the project does not fund, I still really appreciate you, and your support touched me. I want you to know that.
24
Backers
$3,741
pledged of $3,500 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Apr 4, 2012 -
Jun 3, 2012
(60 days)
- 4 created · 1 backed
- Andrea McLester 212 friends
- Website: andreamclester.com
Pledge $1 or more
6 backers
Everyone who makes a contribution to this project will receive a heartfelt thank you and acknowledgement on the project page of my website
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $25 or more
4 backers
Those who contribute $25 will receive acknowledgement on my website and a handwritten thank you note featuring a photograph of work created during the project, and a one-of-a-kind refrigerator magnet made from reclaimed glass.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2012Pledge $50 or more
6 backers
Those who contribute $50 will receive acknowledgement on my website and a handwritten thank you note featuring a photograph of work created during the project, and your choice of a one-of-a-kind wine bottle stopper or bottle opener, featuring a sculpted glass handle .
Estimated delivery: Jul 2012Pledge $100 or more
1 backer
Those who contribute $100 will receive acknowledgement on my website and a handwritten thank you note. I will also create a one-of-a-kind wine glass or champagne flute for you. Each glass will be hand-engraved with my signature and a short inscription of your choice (these make great wedding gifts).
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $250 or more
4 backers
Those who contribute $500 or a handwritten thank you note and acknowledgement on my website. In addition, you will also receive a one-of-a kind glass glass fruit bowl made from recycled glass, using the equipment that you helped me purchase. The bowl will be hand-engraved with my signature and a short inscription of your choice.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $500 or more
0 backers Limited (7 of 7 left)
Those who contribute $500 or more will receive all of the previously mentioned rewards. In addition, you will also receive a one-of-a kind glass vase similar to the one pictured in the proposal. The vase will be hand engraved with my signature and a short inscription of your choice.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $1,000 or more
2 backers Limited (1 of 3 left)
Those who contribute $1000 will receive acknowledgement on my website, a handwritten thank you note, a box of notecards featuring photography of pieces made during the project, and a 20-24" piece of wall-hung art made from recycled glass. I will work with your choice of colors to create a piece just for you, and it will be hand-engraved with my signature and a short inscription of your choice.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $10,000 or more
0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
Anyone who contributes $10000 will receive all of the previously mentioned rewards. In addition, you and a guest will be invited into my studio for a weekend to learn the process that I use to make art from reclaimed glass. While in town you will stay at one of Salado's many charming bed and breakfasts, and you will each get to make a piece of your own to take with you as a keepsake of the trip. My studio is located in Salado, which is a charming, historic town just north of Austin, Texas. Salado is a popular tourist destination known for its many antique shops and art galleries. Your visit will need to be scheduled by the end of August 2012, but I can work with your schedule to choose a date that is convenient for you.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012
