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Vortex Glassworks
Vortex Glassworks is a team of glass artists located on the west coast. VGW connects modern technology with old world craftsmanship to create works of art that raise awareness in human consciousness. They are currently working together to create the "ancient symbols in modern glass" series and independently on sculptures and unique glass art marbles. VGW specializes in Dichroic Boro Art and contributes to the research and development of dichroic borosilicate glass.
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“Ancient symbols in modern glass”
The "ancient symbols in modern glass" series expresses the greater beauty and order of life by using ancient symbols and geometric patterns found in nature. These patterns describe the formative process of light, sound, magnetism and gravity which create our physical universe. Matter itself is a series of spinning vortices governed by proportion and frequency. All things share common geometric relationships. By becoming aware of these relationships, we become aware of the nature of the universe and ourselves. Connecting to these patterns on a daily basis will awaken the subconscious to the "tunes" of the universe and thus help create harmony in oneself.
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Dichroic Glass
Dichroic is defined as the property of having more than one color. Dichroic coated glass is produced by a process called thin film physics. Thin layers of metallic oxides are fused to the surface of glass in a high temperature vacuum furnace. Titanium, silicone, magnesium and other metallic oxides are vaporized and layered to create different colors. Developed for the space age and used as a light filter for measuring applications, dichroic glass is now being used by glass artists because of its beautiful color and color changing properties. Dichroic coated glass produces brilliant colors similar to the iridescent color of peacock feathers, dragonfly wings and fire opals. When viewed from different angles dichroic glass shifts colors due to the angle of refracted light. Dichroic technology has allowed us to capture amazing colors once only found in nature. Available in many different colors, dichroic glass is the next innovation in glass art color and design.
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Borosilicate Glass
Vortex Glassworks uses only borosilicate glass. Borosilicate or boro glass was introduced by Corning Glass Works in 1912 as "Pyrex". Originally developed for making scientific apparatus, boro glass is more chemical and thermal shock resistant than traditional soda lime or lead based glass. Boro glass is worked at very high temperatures and can be manipulated into forms that would exceed the abilities of most other glass. Today, due to innovations in torch technology and glass color alchemy, borosilicate glass has been rediscovered by the contemporary glass movement.
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