Taide ja tiede – Ella Varvio

Colour frenzy

Glowing hot neodymium purple glass in Nuutajärvi

This summer our PhotonArt project proceeded to the actual melting and blowing of coloured glasses. For this I had rented the Lasikomppania glass studio in Nuutajärvi and I was full of nervous excitement. Making glass is expensive and you’re never fully certain of the outcomes… Luckily all went very well!

Samples of PhotonArt -project’s coloured glasses for glassblowing

The colour recipes were designed by Tampere University Photonics Laboratory as part of PhotonArt -project that combines art and science. Our project leader Dr. Laeticia Petit is the professor of photonic glasses at Tampere University and her team researches glass as a tool to transport light. Photonic glasses have applications in optical fibers, lasers, optical amplifiers, multicolor displayers, just to cite a few.

In the PhotonArt project we have investigated colours of glass and glazes both from artists and scientists point of view. The project is supported by Finnish Cultural Trust Pirkanmaa Regional Funds.

Hectic work in Lasikomppania studio, glassblowers Samuli Parkkinen and Jenni Sorsa in action

All the colours turned out super nice and were suitable for glassblowing. The days at the studio were hectic and hard work as we produced new artworks. Many thanks to my gaffers and studio staff : Jenni Sorsa, Samuli Parkkinen and Alge Julija.

Some of the shapes are inspired by ancient Chinese vessels and vases. These new artworks are not yet ready as they need coldworking and engraving. I’m however, already very pleased with how they turned out.

The final results can be seen in Tampere at the end of this year. Stay tuned, still some months to go but lots to do!

Galleria Himmelblau, Tampere, Finland 9.12.2023-7.1.2024

PhotonArt vol.1

How about combining glass art, archeology and photonics in one project? I have been starting on a multidisciplinary PhotonArt project that does exactly that!

The unique glass colour samples, made for my artistic work by Tampere University Photonics laboratory. Some of these are inspired by ancient Chinese glazes.

In this project glazes from ancient Chinese ceramics are being analyzed to both understand their composition and to design new glass materials and colours. Tampere University has received ceramic shards dating from Song Dynasty (960-1279AD) from the collections of ASET Stiftung. Song Dynasty ceramics are known for their elegant design and variety of different glazes. Glazing means a thin layer of glass both decorating and protecting the surface of the pottery.

Raw early stage sketches showing variety of shapes seen in Song Dynasty ceramics.

Specific glazes were chosen for this project based on their color and texture which are due to the presence of crystals and metallic particles. In the first phase of the research the composition of glazes was analyzed using different scanning methods such as electron microscope and X-ray fluorescence.

The ancient Chinese glazes serve as an inspiration for development of new glass materials for both art and science. The aim is to create similar colours and metallic crystals in different glass compositions. The focus for photonics is in optical glass and enhancing and altering its properties, whereas glass artist is more interested in colour hues and artistic expression.

Example of the glazed ceramics analyzed in this project. Photo : ASET Stiftung

I consider it a great priviledge to be the artist in this project and get tailored colours to work with. Melting the glasses, blowing and sculpting them, grinding and engraving will reveal how the colours suit for small studio use.

Furthermore I will look for inspiration from the past, especially Song Dynasty ceramics – whether it be classical shapes, certain colours or motifs from tomb statues. At the end of next year I will be having an exhibition at Galleria Himmelblau, Tampere – there I will show the outcomes of this project!

More early stage sketches : inspiration from the ancient Chinese ceramic horse sculptures found in tombs. They were supposed to be your ride in the afterlife…

The project is supported by Finnish Cultural Trust’s Pirkanmaa Regional Funds. Earlier this year they released an article on PhotonArt, you can check it on the link below :

https://skr.fi/en/whats-new/when-archaeology-meets-contemporary-glass-art-and-advanced-photonics

Colour!

In search of a perfect yellow or a perfect purple? I’m excited from a recent cooperation with Tampere University on glass colours. Together with the university we designed and tested colours for glass – and some of the colours will hopefully be suitable for my future artworks.

Read the article from University’s website, available both in English and Finnish :

https://www.tuni.fi/unit-magazine/en/articles/search-perfect-yellow-glass-scientist-and-glass-artist-join-forces-develop-new-glass

https://www.tuni.fi/unit-magazine/artikkelit/tahtaimessa-taydellinen-keltainen-lasitutkija-ja-taiteilija-kehittavat-yhdessa-uusia