Category: Neon Co Lab

Neon Co-Lab with Chris Ahalt

8/6/2017

Plasma Moose

In these two images, the first is the effect we are looking for and the second is when Chris' hands are place near the points on the antlers.

First time working out of the kiln, and working with Chris Ahalt, who came to Pittsburgh Glass Center to teach a summer intensive course in flameworking called “Shaping Reality: Hollow Sculpting in the Flame”.

Oven pumping in the process of Plasma replaces the process known as Bombarding in Neon (aka Traditional Neon or Sign making), where the high voltage electricity is passed through the glass to head both the tube and process the electrodes, releasing impurities and water inside the glass, as well as aiding in evacuating the tubing that would have two electrodes. In plasma, we may also have two, but it’s more common to have one electrode or none. Bombarding is a serious process required many safety measures, respect, and knowledge, therefore it will not be implemented at Pittsburgh Glass Center for safety, which explains the use of the kiln or oven method to heat the glass for the same purpose.

In our session, I learned how to articulate the necessary steps and for creating a pump ready piece, as well as going through troubleshooting. Unlike Robert Mickelsen, Chris Ahalt had not prior experience preparing a piece.

Chris is without a doubt skillful, and very patient, as our initial pump for Moose Head revealed a leak in the piece. In this case, there were "holes", that is pinholes present at the tips of the antlers where dirt or impurities in the glass have settled. They are small enough that you can hold pressure, yet when under great pressure or vacuum gets dislodged and create holes, contaminating the fill. If left unresolved, the neon put in the moose head would slowing leak, and not long glow under high voltage, as well as discolor over time.

There's so much more to learn, as I grow we’ll be able to see more possibilities available to use in both Neon and Plasma.

Thank you for the opportunity,

Percy Echols II
Sorcerer Apprentice ⚡

http://chrisahalt.com

/Cha_glass

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Neon Co-Lab with Robert Mickelsen

8/2/2017

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Hello Lightining Tamers!

Sorry of the long wait, things got ahead of me for a while, so here's an update for those that are connected with me on facebook:

Moved into my first apartment here in Pittsburgh, PA
Got the keys for my studio at The Brew House Association for the Distillery Artist Residency Program
Moving stuff into said Studio at The Brew House
Finished my year long apprenticeship at Pittsburgh Glass Center, and shifting into a contracted instructor at PGC, and as the Neon Lab Tech as a emerging positon where I'm developing the studio and equipment for Neon and Plasma classes at Pittsburgh Glass Center, as well as introducing the process and material to instructors and public through demonstations, collaborations, and podcasts.
Finishing up work to donate for the Pittsburgh Glass Center's Art on Fire Celebration and Auction, which included the collaboration with Robert Mickelsen during his class during July 17-21st

Illuminated Lady

Even though I was quite busy, I was blessed with the opportunity to collaborate with Robert Mickelsen, we discussed designing the piece so that it could be filled with NEON and displayed optimally without any wires.

We decided to pose a seated figure, so that the figure would have the max amount of contact with the display box. Which is conducted via high frequency radio waves inside the box. (Post on constructing the base soon, I promise!) After a full day's work, and Robert pulled off quite a challenging posed figure!

A post shared by Percy Echols II (@glass.percy) on Jul 21, 2017 at 4:04am PDT

A post shared by Percy Echols II (@glass.percy) on Jul 21, 2017 at 4:10am PDT

It was a nice learning experience. I'm thankful for their trust and guidance in this process both from Robert and Pat Collentine who helped me with getting a good fill for the piece.

The video to the left is a time lapse of the filling process.

You can follow Robert Mickelsen and check out his latest projects on the links below

Thank you for your Support,

Percy Echols II
Sorcerer Apprentice⚡