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Announcing a new discovery
After thirteen years of trying to solve the problem of fusing glass with clay, Oregon glass and ceramic artist, John Groth, has discovered the chemical formula and process behind a clay body that is compatible with glass. The process is now patent pending. Since 2000, John Groth’s sculptures have incorporated the techniques that he developed. These techniques fuse clay and glass, using kiln forming and hot glass techniques. The fusion of the two together brings out the best qualities of each material and allows them to balance and accent each other. The glass is transparent and appears to be fluid where as the clay offers sculptural and structural qualities to a finished piece. The fusion of the two creates surfaces and textures within the composite that were never before possible. Thick layers of glass add an intensity and color depth that cannot be achieved by clay and glaze alone. The juxtaposition of clay elements, within or projecting through the glass, show off the ability of the clay to hold its shape, texture, and form. The glass flows over, through, and around the clay. A barrier has been hurdled with his discovery that will provide wonderful new possibilities to the world of glass and ceramic art.
Direction
After twenty years of selling his limited editions, collector’s editions, and one-of-a-kind ceramics and glass through galleries internationally, he has now chosen to shift his focus to utilizing his new discovery and to exploring its applications in sculpture.
Over the past several years John has worked on public and commercial glass as well as multimedia art projects, as a coordinator, fabricator and a designer. In much of his recent work, he has incorporated the use of his fusible clay body into his public installations. Each new work is an exciting challenge of developing an idea that is compatible with the site environment.
John’s studio and equipment have become a doorway for working with many other artists and assisting them with their fabrication and technical needs, with their private and public art projects. John has also donated his studio and time to hosting workshops with other glass artists from out of state. Moreover, he has provided his expertise with glass fabrication for such internationally known glass artists as Narcissus Quagliata, Preston Singletary, June Kaneko and the Bullseye Glass Company.
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