By Land, Air and Sea: Boro Glass with Elizabeth Welch

Name: By Land, Air and Sea: Boro Glass with Elizabeth Welch
Start: 2026-02-20T00:00:00+13:00
End: 2026-02-23T06:30:00+13:00
Location: Amokura Glass (Rotorua, New Zealand)

Schedule

Fri, 20 Feb, 2026 at 12:00 am to Mon, 23 Feb, 2026 at 06:30 am

UTC+13:00

Location

Amokura Glass (Rotorua, New Zealand) | Rotorua, BP

BOOK NOW! Via our website here: www.amokuraglass.com/visitingartists
Duration
10am - 4:30pm (6.5 hours) over 4 consecutive days
26 hours total
Starting Friday 20th, Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd & Monday 23rd
Requirements
Must be 14+ years old.
Ages 14 & 15 must be accompanied by an adult
About the workshop
In this class, you will explore nature inspired sculpture through solid sculpting with borosilicate glass. Under the guidance of Elizabeth Welch, you will learn all the essential fundamentals of detailed sculpting techniques, including heat control, colour application, bit work, welding, bridging, and accenting. The goal of this workshop is to deepen your understanding of glass behaviour and equip you with the skills to apply these techniques to your own artistic creations.
Demonstrations will include a variety of marine life sculptures, followed by hands-on learning and open discussions designed to help you refine your techniques and bring your sculptures to the next level.
Day 1 - Components and Foundations
Introduction to techniques and project overview
Creating component pieces such as whales, dolphins, sharks, reeds and coral
Focus on shaping, proportion, and controlled sculpting
Day 2 - Assembly and Framing
Bridging and creating frame (approx 10cm x 10 cm) using the hand torch
Adding elements such and leaves and flowers to enhance your frame
Continued refinement of component work
Day 3 - Land and Air Forms
Creating lizards and birds in colours of your choice
Elizabeth will demo making an octopus sculpture
Continue component work
Day 4 - Final Assembly and Presentation
Final Bridging and frame assembly, annealing and finishing work
Presentation of Elizabeth's work and display of student creations
About the Artist
Visiting glass artist from the UK, Elizabeth Welch aims to bring a sense of realism to her Lampworked glass sculpture. Through her intricate and detailed sculptures, Elizabeth Welch has established herself creating stunning pieces that capture the fleeting beauty and essence of various animals.
Elizabeth’s artistic vision is enriched by the legacy of glassmaking. Combining classical methods and the vibrancy of modern glass art, it infuses her work with a sense of tradition with contemporary flair. This blend of influences not only defines the uniqueness of her creations but also reflects her commitment to honouring the heritage craft of lampworking while exploring its potential for innovation and expression.
Objective
Students will learn shop safety, be introduced to the flameworking shop, tools, materials and techniques used in flameworking. Students will have the opportunity to apply those skills to create their very own using the techniques to shape and manipulate the glass. All glass creations are the student's to keep at the end of the class.
Note: glass needs to cool down slowly in the kiln overnight and will be available for pickup the following day. We can organise to post you your projects at an additional fee if required
Prerequisites
No previous experience in glass or flame working required, class is open to all interested parties. Ages 14+
All levels welcome, though some glass experience would be beneficial to students. Students should have a basic understanding of flameworking, how to operate a torch, and the use of hand tools. This class is an ideal follow-on from the 2-day Introduction to Flamework Sculpture course, but not required.
Materials & Supplies
All required materials and tools to complete the projects will be provided by the studio and included in the course fees. Students are asked to wear cotton or natural material clothing, long pants, and close toed shoes. Please bring a water bottle, and snacks/lunch to keep energy levels up!