Mondays and Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Thursdays and Fridays

Gabriela Wilson is a Canadian interdisciplinary artist specializing in glass and metals. She holds a BAH in Studio Arts and Museum Studies and an advanced diploma from Sheridan College focused on glass. Her early training in jewelry and gemology has significantly influenced her sculptural practice, blending intricate craftsmanship with material experimentation and 3D printing technology.

Gabriela’s work ranges from jewelry to large-scale installation, often incorporating metals such as iron, copper, or silver, complementing glass components. Themes of her work often revolve around diaspora, politics, and identity. Gabriela is a passionate advocate for the glass community, currently serving as co-VP for the Glass Art Association of Canada. She has led workshops at various local studios and galleries and is an experienced educator, sharing her expertise and enthusiasm for the craft.

Website: www.gabrielawilson.ca

Instagram: @wilsongabriela_

Into the Bath: Practical Electroplating for Glass Artists
When: Mondays and Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Thursdays and Fridays, Aug 4 - Aug 8
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Dates: Aug 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Tuition $950.00
Instructor: Gabriela Wilson

In this hands-on class, we'll dive into the fascinating process of electroplating onto glass using an acid bath and copper. Designed specifically for glass artists, this class combines essential theory with practical application, making it suitable for glass workers of all skill levels and techniques.

Electroplating can be applied to a wide range of glass forms, including kilnformed, hot-worked, and torch-worked pieces, whether in soft or borosilicate glass. Beyond glass, we'll also explore electroplating on alternative materials like ceramics, three-dimensional prints, and organic objects, expanding your artistic toolkit with new techniques.

Due to the class setting, the size of electroplated items will be limited to hand-sized pieces, which is ideal for sampling and experimentation. You are encouraged to bring your own glass samples or other materials, such as three-dimensional prints, to work with (more details will be provided upon enrollment). Additionally, there will be an opportunity to create kilncast glass samples during the class.

We will explore how to integrate electroplating into different artistic practices, from small-scale jewelry applications to larger-scale setups. The class will cover essential technical aspects of the process, including health and safety considerations, through lectures, group discussions, and detailed handouts. You will learn how to set up and maintain electroplating tanks, and we'll cover equipment, the chemical makeup of the bath, and where to source materials.

We'll also discuss various methods of creating conductive paints and conclude with an overview of coldworking and metal finishing techniques tailored for electroplating on glass, including polishing and patinas.

2 of 8 seats available.

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