One of the myriad of reasons I love fused glass is how other art-forms can be incorporated into fused glass. I’ve mentioned art clay, stamping, flowers, and so many other arts.
In several of my Facebook groups I follow I came across a post about Rangoli, according to Wikipedia “the purpose of Rangoli is decoration, and it is thought to bring good luck.” The design used depend on “traditions, folklore and practices that are unique to each area. It is traditionally done by women. Generally, this practice is showcased during occasions such as festivals, auspicious observances, marriage celebrations and other similar milestones and gatherings. Rangoli, also known as Kolam, is a from India in which patterns are created on the floor in living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. They are meant to be sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities. Designs are passed from one generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive.” First off I find that refreshing, women are traditionally the keepers of heirlooms – especially of art an American example is quilts.
Wow I could go on and on but my point is how other art-forms can be incorporated into fused glass. After watching the video (here is an example or two if you’d like to check Rangoli out). I was memorized and watch countless Rangoli videos. And thought of how it reminded me of screen-printing on fused glass.
So I bought a couple of the screens and I must say they have so many beautiful designs. One of the designs are below, the orange cup has a filter on it and used with the screen to create the design. In screen-printing we use a squeegee for ink or a piece of cardboard if it’s powder
These are three of the pieces I made. It took me a while because in traditional Rangoli they use a powder and clearly glass powder (used in screen-printing) is much finer so it really falls through the screen. But I think they turned out really nice. BTW the screens look very similar to traditional screen printing screens except ours are typically on an aluminum or wooden rectangle frame and the Rangoli are on round frames.
In addition, I think mesh screens for fused glass are a little finer (137) because if you look close the print with the Rangoli screens is not as fine as with the fused glass screen. Of course the reason is they are meant for another type of powder and they are meant for floors and are temporary. One bit of warning, out of the 5 screens I bought most (i.e. 3) had flaws and I can’t use them with my glass.
That being said I think Rangoli is beautiful and it’s truly mesmerizing to watch the artists create. I enjoyed them so much I may get me a few more! It’s fascinating how if you just keep an open mind most things can be incorporated to glass! (Check out the links below to an amazing sand artist that translated his art into stunning glass art!)
If you would like to see more of my fused glass work please refer to my website Elegant Fused Glass by Karen.
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Keeping my Kilns warm,
Karen
BTW I BB’s got the fused glass bowls and they loved them!!!
