Shane Fero 1 – Back to Basics

For more than five decades, Shane Fero has been recognised as one of the most influential figures in contemporary flameworking. Known internationally for his iconic blown birds and expressive sculptural work, Shane combines technical mastery with a deep understanding of how glass behaves.
 
Back to Basics is the foundation course of the Shane Fero series and provides students with the skills and understanding needed to work confidently in both soft glass and borosilicate.
Across eleven demonstrations, Shane explores the principles that underpin successful glassmaking: heat control, flame chemistry, centring, balance, blowing, sculpture, observation and correction. Students learn not only how to make individual projects, but also why glass behaves the way it does.
Projects include a small blown vase, hanging hummingbird, perfumer forms, tropical fish, dolphin, bird stopper and borosilicate horse. While each project introduces specific techniques, the broader focus remains understanding heat, movement and control.
 
What You Will Learn
 
• Heat control and flame chemistry
• Pulling centred points and maintaining symmetry
• Bubble creation and hollow construction
• Working in both soft glass and borosilicate
• Colour application and material awareness
• Sculptural construction and gesture
• Observation, correction and problem solving
• Working with glass rather than against it
 
Throughout the course, Shane demonstrates the realities of working with glass, including mistakes, adjustments and corrections. Students gain valuable insight into the decision-making process behind successful glasswork and develop confidence through observation, repetition and practice.
 
Who Is This Course For?
 
This course is suitable for beginner and intermediate lampworkers looking to build strong technical foundations and develop a deeper understanding of glass.
 
It is particularly valuable for students who wish to move beyond simply following instructions and begin understanding the fundamental principles that underpin successful glassmaking.
 
Included with the course is a library of supporting material, including Zurich Glass School's hand-drawn visual technical maps, student guides, demonstration notes, reference diagrams, and supplementary learning resources. These materials have been specifically developed to help students revisit techniques and reinforce learning away from the torch. 
 
This E-course can be completed entirely at your own pace. Expect challenges, adjustments, experimentation, repairs, and moments of discovery as part of the learning process.
Learning options and access details are outlined in the Learning Tiers section.
 
Runtime: 12 demonstrations - 310 minutes

Bonus Commentary Editions
 
Selected demonstrations include extended conversations between Shane Fero and Julie Anne Denton, providing unique insight into Shane's thought processes, artistic philosophy, technical decision-making and approach to problem solving.