The presentation itself was rather rushed, and I found myself wishing that we had had more time to hear from the artists themselves about their experience. Each one got up, one after the other and talked briefly about how they came to be at the Pilchuck Glass School and how their work has expanded due to the environment they are in. They each showed a few pieces that they've done during their time there, and each one came from a different background.
I was really glad to hear that some of the artists that went to be part of the Emerging Artists in Residence (EAiR) program had not worked extensively ( but had previous knowledge) in glass prior to their residency. I have always been interested in working with glass, and I think I may try to apply for this program upon graduation. They told us about how, as a resident artist, you share a house with the other artists, as well as studio space, forging new relationships and learning from eachother. How exciting for one artist to learn from another and vice versa! The artists worked together and formed new collaborations and formed their own critiques once someone had finished their work.
As part of the EAiR program, Pilchuck resident artists have access to TONS of studio space and options for their work, including glass-plate printmaking; fusing, slumping and casting kilns, flameworking torches and cold working. No hot glass work is available, which is a bummer, but the rest of it still sounds fun! The residency, according to the Pilchuck Glass School's website, requires six full time artists,
" The EAiR program supports artists who are making a transition in their professional lives. Whether moving from academia to a professional studio practice, taking up a new medium, or beginning a new body of work, artists find this independent residency ideal for contemplation, research, and experimentation. The program provides artists with a place and the time to develop an idea or project in glass, with the potential for realizing a new body of work. "
