CUAGLA502
Investigate glassworking materials and processes


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and explore a range of glassworking materials and processes to develop an individual professional style.

It applies to highly skilled visual artists who integrate the use of those different materials and processes explored, to realise a body of creative work which could include functional items or art pieces. They work with a high level of independence seeking mentoring and guidance as required.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Research glassworking materials and processes

1.1 Research ways that other artists have used different glassworking materials and processes to achieve different effects and identify intellectual property requirements

1.2 Research physical properties and capabilities of a range of glassworking materials

1.3 Investigate how different materials and glassworking techniques best combine to achieve different technical effects

1.4 Investigate safety issues associated with different materials and processes

1.5 Collate and store safety and technical data to meet safety requirements for glasswork

1.6 Determine cost and supply issues for different materials

2. Select glassworking materials and processes for exploration

2.1 Seek and participate in professional discussions about characteristics and opportunities of particular glassworking materials and processes

2.2 Evaluate creative and professional opportunities offered by different glassworking materials and processes for own approach to work

2.3 Identify and assess limitations and constraints of particular materials and processes

2.4 Select a particular range of materials and processes that suit own practice

3. Integrate glassworking materials and processes into own work

3.1 Explore own new and different ways of working with materials and processes to achieve new effects and desired outcomes

3.2 Challenge and stretch the capabilities and uses of different materials and processes through experimentation on samples, practice pieces or a work in progress

3.3 Proactively identify and resolve technical problems with material use

3.4 Develop own ways of working with materials and processes to create individual style

3.5 Develop a coherent body of glasswork that shows command of selected glassworking materials

3.6 Use safe work practices for handling materials and disposal of waste

4. Manage glassworking materials

4.1 Establish supply of glassworking materials which meets price, quality and delivery expectations

4.2 Develop ways of working with materials that minimise waste

4.3 Maintain quality and maximise shelf-life of glassworking materials through appropriate handling and storage

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

research the properties, capabilities and use of an extensive range of glassworking materials to inform own work practice

refine the use of glassworking materials through a process of thorough experimentation and practice to create a coherent body of glasswork which:

shows a command of chosen materials

demonstrates the development of an individual style

supports own ideas for work.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe intellectual property requirements relevant to producing glassworks

identify an extensive range of information sources that support research in glassworking materials

describe, for an extensive range of materials used to produce glass objects:

physical properties and capabilities

the characteristics of materials under different treatments and how they work to achieve different effects

limitations and constraints in achieving effects

describe how different materials and glassworking techniques combine to achieve different technical effects

explain ways to use, adapt, combine and challenge the capabilities of an extensive range of glassworking materials to develop an individual professional style

summarise supply sources for an extensive range of glassworking materials used in professional practice

describe, for glassworking materials, typical types, content and use of safety and technical data including Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

explain key safety requirements for glasswork.


Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

equipment, tools and materials used to produce glass objects

relevant information sources.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1-1.6

Interprets and evaluates complex and unfamiliar information to identify key information about materials

Oral Communication

2.1

Initiates and participates in complex discussions, encouraging contributions, eliciting different perspectives on effective material use, clarifying, summarising and building constructively on the input of others

Numeracy

1.6, 4.1

Interprets budgetary constraints and supplier prices and calculates sometimes complex order costs

Navigate the world of work

1.4, 1.5, 3.6. 4.2

Takes responsibility for compliance with legal, safety and sustainability practices associated with creative work

Interact with others

2.1

Encourages contribution of creative and technical ideas from other artists

Fosters a collaborative approach to professional skills development through sharing and receiving knowledge, experience and information with other artists as an integral part of artistic work relationships and seeks mentoring as required

Get the work done

1.1-1.3, 2.2, 2.4, 3.1-3.5, 4.1, 4.3

Develops broad, flexible conceptual plans to develop own artistic knowledge and professional style with materials, identifying and responding to issues as they arise

Takes responsibility for completing own research and creative works from design inception to realisation, managing own time and productivity to sequence stages

Manages own decisions about use of materials through research and selection according to interest

Resolves problems with materials technique through practice, experimentation and analysis

Creates opportunities to use a more innovative approach and personal style


Sectors

Visual communication – glass