When I started working with reclaimed glass and resin 4+ years ago, I didn't realize the extent to which it would enrich and challenge me as an artist!
I see this often with other artists, the journey from novice to accomplished selling artist! We take a class from (speaking for myself) an "expert in glass and resin" and get hooked on the process of making a glass collage and then adding that beautiful shiny layer of epoxy resin on top!
Then the glass hunt starts!! I know when I go to craft stores, there's usually a sale on glassware or other art supplies. Glass artists are experts at finding glass in sometimes unusual places! Thrift stores, FB Marketplace, HomeGoods, and craft stores are pretty standard places to find glass. It's such a rush to find beautiful, unique pieces of glass that we can incorporate into our works of art!
Where have you found glass? We all have a "honey hole" of sorts, that PLACE where we can always find a vase, glass drinkware, vintage pieces, and many more.
As our passion for creating art grows, the more we experiment and try challenging things, like incorporating other media, for example, paint and embellishments in our art. Here are some tidbits of advice and info (I wish I knew but sometimes learned the hard way lol).
GLASS
Handblown glass is sought after due to its unique properties and appearance. Glass studios will often discard imperfect pieces that can be reclaimed and used in art. If you live in an area that has a hot shop, check with management on their practices. Maybe take a class and blow your own glass! I have a glassblower friend who keeps me in the know about everything hot glass related! He once made a glass orb and broke it so I could use the shards!
RESIN
Have you experimented with different types of epoxy resin and found the ONE that is simply the best?
I'm going to divulge a little industry secret that I learned from Mary Hong, who is extremely knowledgeable about glass and resin art. Resin and titanium white acrylic paint to place nice! The properties in the paint
can cause the resin to yellow over time! If you use generic white paint (house paint or craft paint) you will have a better end result!
ArtResin has been touted as the holy grail of epoxy resin to use in art. This resin has a high UV resistance and will (unless you got a bad batch) yellow less over time. No resin is completely UV proof! ArtResin is not a casting resin and shouldn't be used for that purpose unless you plan on applying several layers over time. There is a medium you can add to resin to make it more UV resistant. Always tell your customers that there's a chance the resin may yellow over time, due to direct or indirect UV exposure.
Mary shared a story about a bad batch she bought years ago that yellowed on the art. She offered refunds to clients who had art that yellowed. She also "fixed" some pieces that were yellowed!
SUBSTRATES
Substrates are the surfaces you make your art on. Most don't require to be prepared in a specific way before resining. However, I always add a layer of gesso or acrylic paint before I add glass and resin.
Wood needs to be sealed with an archival quality sealant before it's resined, otherwise, it'll discolor and look like it'd been soaked in water. Also, it's important to seal porous media like starfish and sand dollars if you want to preserve their opacity and prevent that yellowed wet look!
Well, that's it for this 4th of July post about glass and resin art! Feel free to comment or message me with any questions or additional input!!
Have a wonderful holiday and stay safe!!
Theresa