E-demo Coyle Condenser 3: Blown Monkey Head

Runtime: Approximately 145 minutes, including Meet the Artsist conversation Skill level: Intermediate–Advanced Glass: Borosilicate Requirements: Your own torch or access to a suitably equipped flameworking studio

We are pleased to present American glass artist Coyle Condenser, whose distinctive sculptural work combines the precision of scientific glassblowing with experimentation, humour and an unmistakable sense of character.

This E-demo is designed for intermediate and advanced lampworkers interested in developing their hollow-form construction, precision joining and expressive sculptural techniques in borosilicate glass.

At the centre of the demonstration is one of Coyle's characteristic blown monkey heads. Beginning with coloured tubing, Coyle gradually transforms a simple hollow form into a complex sculptural character, building the underlying structure before introducing the eyes, muzzle, nose, ears and expressive facial details.

What makes this demonstration particularly valuable is the relationship between technical control and artistic decision-making. Coyle explains not only how he constructs the monkey, but why he approaches individual stages in a particular way.

What you will learn

• Prepare and blow coloured borosilicate tubing while maintaining proportion and control.

• Apply and encase colour using the rollover technique.

• Develop a hollow sculptural head through selective heating, blowing and marvering.

• Construct and attach a projecting muzzle, nose and other facial components.

• Prepare and encase murrine eyes while maintaining optical clarity.

• Sculpt eyelids, brows and mouth details to establish expression.

• Create separate ears and integrate them through carefully controlled joins.

• Manage heat placement, component preparation and assembly throughout a complex sculpture.

• Understand how proportion and small changes in facial structure influence character.

Throughout the demonstration, Coyle works from the overall form towards increasingly refined details. The underlying structure must remain stable while individual components are heated, shaped and attached. This demands careful planning, particularly when working around completed features.

Students will also explore the use of silver-reactive colours, clear encasement and prepared murrine components, gaining a deeper understanding of how different materials respond to repeated heating.

Beyond the demonstration — Meet the Artist

Alongside the complete 97-minute demonstration, this E-demo includes a specially edited 45-minute Meet the Artist conversation between Coyle Condenser and Dr Julie Anne Denton, founder of Zurich Glass School.

Revisiting selected moments from the making process, the conversation explores Coyle's techniques, working methods, experiences and life as a glass artist.

This additional film offers an opportunity to understand the thinking behind the work, connecting the practical demonstration with the wider artistic practice from which it emerges.

Developing your own sculptural language

This is a demanding demonstration. Hollow-form construction, controlled heat placement, detailed facial modelling and precision assembly all require patience and repetition.

Students are encouraged to practise individual elements before attempting the complete monkey head. A successful pair of ears, a well-encased murrine eye or a more confidently blown hollow form can represent meaningful progress in its own right.

The aim is not necessarily to reproduce Coyle's monkey exactly, but to understand the principles sufficiently well to begin developing your own expressive sculptural characters.

Your learning resources

This E-demo includes the Blown Bird Course Notes & Student Guide, together with downloadable supporting material designed for use alongside the demonstrations.

With Tier C you will also receive a complimentary 30-minute Development Session with ZGS founder Dr Julie Anne Denton, giving you an opportunity to discuss your own work, troubleshoot difficult areas together and receive individual guidance as you progress through the course.

Basic and Standard E-course access (Tiers A & B) is provided for six months, allowing plenty of time to watch, practice, repeat difficult sections and return to the demonstration as your skills develop, should you need lifetime access choose our Mastery Tier C. After purchase, access may take up to 24 hours to activate. Learning options and access details are outlined in the Learning Tiers section.

Instructor Coyle Condenser

Main demonstration 97 minutes

Artist conversation 43 minutes

Total runtime 145 minutes (2 hours 25 minutes)

Skill level Intermediate–Advanced

Glass Borosilicate

Requirements Own torch or access to a suitably equipped flameworking studio

Resources Demo Notes & Guide, hand-drawn technical guide, pictures, tool & material list

Access Six months for A/B; lifetime for C