rotation, revision, repeat

Action shots! here are some candid snaps from the studio.

To make glass the machine must constantly rotate the material, revise its aims and motions so that each move draws the form closer to its prototype. This process of revision is perpetually repeated until the object is safely sleeping in the gallery - Static and expensive for the children to view and purchase.

Diary Post

Here are some photos of whats in my mind and on my desk right now!

This past month at the studio I have been working on a large order for bowls and bottles. almost 50 bowls and 15 bottles have been machine-made in the last few weeks. These photos represent the process of finishing the objects; grinding and polishing the base of each piece and correlating the groups of finished objects to be delivered to my wholesaler monday morning. neat huh!

recent tests and compositions

Here are some of the images i applied to the jam with. Also, some very recent tests from 2010.

ancient prototypes

These are the results from some earlier blueprints, created in 2007 and 2008. Also, a rare image of the machine in action at Red Deer College.

hand-pressed

it begins

Greetings! This is the inaugural post for my 'machine made by hand' blog. My name is Jaan Poldaas and i make objects with glass. I am a designer from Calgary, Canada but i'm currently posting from Adelaide, Australia.

I am a second year associate at the Jamfactory Contemporary Craft and Design glass studio. My practice is focused on the exquisite execution of shapes using traditional glassblowing techniques. I am in awe of my medium so much that have spent 6 years just investigating the primary physical characteristic of 'form'. Glass making is an infinity of processes yet i am still vexed by this initial task of 'giving it a shape'.

Please stay tuned as my array of 'formal executions' will be displayed here, henceforth from this date, until the end of time.