Hotcasting & Metal

MITCHELL GAUDET & ERICA LARKIN

The focus of this class will be the use of both glass and metal in a sculptural way. This class will teach the basics of hot glass casting and metal fabrication. Students will be encouraged to explore the combinations these two techniques allow. Hot glass casting techniques to be covered include sand casting, metal and graphite molds, wood and natural materials, plaster bandage and zircar. Metal techniques covered will include mig welding, grinding and cutting. Students should bring a sketch book and be prepared to work hard in both the glass and metal studio.

Mitchell Gaudet Click to enlarge the image

Mitchell Gaudet was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. There he designs and produces cast glass in his own studio, Studio Inferno. He is also the studio coordinator for the Louisiana Artworks project. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University and his Master of Fine Arts from Tulane University, has taught at Pilchuck Glass School many times as well as, Penland School of Arts and Crafts, UrbanGlass, Red Deer College, Alberta College of Arts and Crafts, Alberta Canada, and Bild-Werk Glass School, Germany. He received a NEA artists grant through the New Orleans Arts Council, was an Emerging Artist in Residence at Pilchuck Glass School and was also selected to design the Pilchuck auction pieces in 2000. He was the co-chair for 2004 Glass Arts Society Conference, in New Orleans. His work is exhibited both nationally and internationally and is represented by galleries in Atlanta, Houston, Seattle, Washington D.C., Memphis, New Orleans, Hawaii, and Miami. http://www.studioinferno.com/

Erica Larkin Click to enlarge the image

Native of Miami, Florida, Erica Larkin completed her Bachelors in Sculpture from Loyola University of New Orleans, Louisiana. Shortly after graduation, in 1991, she founded Toulouse Street Studio, a custom metal sculpting studio specializing in fine art and furniture. At Toulouse Street Studio, Erica taught and offered apprenticeships to many New Orleans metal artists. Now operating as Erica Larkin Studio in New Orleans, she works and creates her designs for both private and public spaces using metal and cast glass components. Her current projects include Project Advisor to the AIDS Monument and a new line lighting and chandeliers. http://www.ericalarkinstudio.com/