Josh Mazet’s Boro Menagerie

This is an intermediate level class. You must have basic lampworking to register.

Two-day class. Saturday, Oct. 17 & Sunday, Oct. 18.

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day.

Join flameworking artist Josh Mazet for an immersive two-day workshop exploring both the technical and creative possibilities of borosilicate glass. This class is designed for students looking to expand their skills through demonstrations, hands-on practice, and individualized instruction.

Day One: Dichroic Marbles

The first day focuses on creating stunning dichroic glass marbles. Josh will begin with a discussion of flame chemistry and how it applies to torch work, revisiting these concepts throughout the workshop as they relate to each project. Students will also learn the proper use of marble molds for forming and shaping perfectly round marbles.

Josh will demonstrate how to create a “galaxy” marble featuring a lensed explosion of dichroic glass at its core, along with several decorative finishing options. The demonstration will include how to prepare and handle dichroic glass, as well as an overview of what dichroic glass is and how it behaves in the flame. Students will then create their own galaxy marbles, with the opportunity to make a second marble if time allows.

The afternoon will feature a demonstration of a dichroic vortex marble, including the color preparation required to achieve the effect. Students will follow along at their own torches to create their own vortex marbles while receiving personalized guidance from Josh.

Day Two: Sculptural Flameworking

The second day shifts to sculptural work, beginning with exercises in glass application and preparation techniques that will support the day’s projects. Students will create simple glass forms, such as domes or blocks, to serve as the foundation for sculptural pieces.

Josh will demonstrate how to create octopus and crab sculptures using a clear, step-by-step approach that emphasizes the order of operations. The class will also explore the application of eye murrini (millefiori) to bring personality and detail to each sculpture.

The workshop concludes with free-form sculptural projects, including hummingbirds and octopuses at a scale that is approachable for students. Josh will also discuss techniques for scaling up octopus sculptures for those interested in tackling larger, more advanced work in the future.

By the end of the workshop, students will leave with multiple finished projects, a deeper understanding of flame chemistry and dichroic glass, and new techniques they can continue to build upon in their own flameworking practice.

Tools required for workshop:

• Torch with quick connects
• marble mold
• graphite marver pad
• graphite paddle
• stainless butter knife
• Hexagonal Reamer
• Tweezers
• and any other favorite tool you want to bring

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About Josh
Josh Mazet received his BFA in Ceramics from the University of Oregon in 1999. After graduating he was invited into the Fine Arts Department as a resident artist. For three years he held a studio at the U of O, instructing 25 students and community members year round in the art of wood fired ceramics. It was during this time that Josh was introduced to lamp working. With his degree in ceramics behind him, Josh had a natural understanding and comfort with flame atmospheres, kilns and the chemistry of glass. This compounded with similarities of the materials, allowed for smooth and rapid learning of the new medium.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

This workshop features a visiting instructor and requires advance travel and material commitments. For this reason, all registrations are final, and refunds are not available.

If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to transfer your registration to another participant with advance notice to the Hot Shops Art Center. In the unlikely event that Hot Shops Art Center or Josh must cancel the workshop, registered participants will receive a full refund.

COST: $523. Glass is an additional $56 and can be purchased during class.

Lunch provided both days.

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