CUVGLA502A
Investigate glassworking materials and processes

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to research and explore selected glassworking materials and processes and integrate their use into one’s own creative practice.

Application

Glass artists apply the skills and knowledge in this unit. They could be designing and making functional items or art pieces.

Material and process exploration at this level is a largely independent activity with mentoring and guidance as required. It would normally include investigation of a range of materials and processes to develop an individual professional style. In practice, this process is integrated with the skills described in the unit CUVPRP501A Realise a body of creative work.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Research glassworking materials and processes

1.1 Research the detailed physical properties and capabilities of different glassworking materials

1.2 Investigate the safety issues associated with different materials and processes prior to use

1.3 Collate and store safety and technical data to meet safety requirements and inform future practice

1.4 Investigate the relationship between materials and glassworking processes

1.5 Determine cost and supply parameters

2. Select glassworking materials and processes for exploration

2.1 Assess the creative and professional opportunities offered by different glassworking materials and processes

2.2 Determine limitations and constraints of particular materials and processes

2.3 Select particular materials and processes that suit own practice

3. Integrate glassworking materials and processes into own work

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

3.2 Challenge and stretch the capabilities and uses of different materials and processes through experimentation

3.3 Develop own ways of working with materials and processes

3.4 Engage in informed discussion with others about the characteristics and opportunities of particular glassworking materials and processes

3.5 Establish and follow safe work practices

4. Manage glassworking resources in professional practice

4.1 Establish a sustainable supply of glassworking resources

4.2 Develop ways of working with resources that minimise waste

4.3 Maintain the quality and life of glassworking resources through appropriate handling and storage

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to engage in informed discussion around materials, processes and their relationship with ideas

critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate and make judgements about relationships between glassworking materials, techniques and processes

initiative and enterprise skills to:

develop individual ways of working with materials and processes

identify and act on opportunities for own practice presented by different materials and processes

learning skills to develop and refine own skills to a professional practice standard

literacy skills to analyse varied and technical information about glassworking materials and processes

problem-solving skills to identify and resolve technical problems in glassworking work

self-management and planning skills to:

develop own ways of working with glassworking materials and processes

research and organise sustainable supply of materials and processes

technology skills to use the internet as a research tool.

Required knowledge

ways in which a wide range of glassworking materials and processes can be used, adapted, combined and challenged by the professional artist

physical properties and capabilities of the selected materials and processes

types of technical and other data that may need to be stored for safety and other reasons

characteristics of different materials under different treatments and the potential of these characteristics to achieve different effects

cost and supply parameters for glassworking materials and tools in the context of professional practice

storage requirements and options for different materials

intellectual property issues and legislation associated with glassworking as a professional practice

sustainability issues for the professional operation of a glassworking practice

OHS requirements for the set-up and operation of a professional work space.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

apply knowledge of glassworking materials and processes and how they may be adapted and extended at a professional level

evolve and refine ways of working with materials and processes through a demonstrated process of experimentation

integrate materials and processes into own work in a way that supports coherence of the creative work

demonstrate technical proficiency in the use of selected materials and processes

use safe and sustainable work practices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

equipment, materials and tools used to produce glasswork.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

evaluation of the use of materials and processes in terms of the coherence of the body of work

evaluation of processes used by the candidate to develop new ways of working with glassworking materials and processes

evaluation of the work documentation

questioning and discussion about candidate’s intentions and the work outcome

review of portfolios of evidence

review of third-party reports from experienced practitioners.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy) and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties, such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUVPRP501A Realise a body of creative work.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Physical properties and capabilities may include:

exploration of the properties of a variety of glasses, including:

compatibility

ductility

fired strength: robust or fragile

high melt and low melt

opacity or translucency

properties of glass forming materials:

fluxes, for example calcium oxide, barium oxide, potassium oxide, lithium oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium oxide, strontium oxide and zinc oxide

glass formers, for example silica and boric oxide

properties of additives in glass:

colourants, such as oxides/salts of chrome, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, gold and silver

the effect of temperature and atmosphere on a variety of glass colourants in glasses of different chemistry

properties and appropriate use of a variety of model making and mould-making materials, including:

alginates

pottery clays, including oil or polymer-based modelling clays

pottery plaster and other plaster products, such as Forton MG and gypsum

resins, such as polyesters and polyurethanes

silicone, including condensation cure and addition cure

waxes, such as microcrystalline, paraffin and beeswax

properties and appropriate use of a variety of abrasives, such as:

alumina

cerium oxide

diamond powder

silicon carbide.

Glassworking materials may include:

glass:

clear and coloured compatible glass, including glass for:

flameworking

furnace work (blowing, hot forming and hot casting)

fusing and slumping

kiln casting

float glass

leadlighting glass

decorating materials, including:

commercial colours

metallic salts

precious metal leaf and foil

precious metal lustres

stains and enamels

abrasives, including:

alumina

cerium oxide

diamond powder

materials for prototyping, including:

clay

metals

paper products

plaster products

plastics

stone

model and mould-making materials, including:

ceramic fibre products

clay

graphite

parting agents

pottery plaster and other plaster products

refractory board

refractory fillers, such as silica and grog

refractory products, including RI bricks

resins

silicones

sillimanite bats

waxes

refractory release agents, such as:

alumina

bead release

graphite

powdered clay

talc

resist materials, including:

adhesive tape

glues

latex

sheet

wax

sheet glass

silicon carbide powder and paper.

Safety issues may relate to:

dust and airborne particles

equipment used for glassworking

fire

fumes

manual handling requirements

noise

sharp objects

use and labelling of chemicals

use of equipment with moving parts

work posture.

Data may include:

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

quantity calculations

results of experimentation.

Glassworking processes may include:

annealing

assemblage

combination of two or more techniques

cutting

engraving

etching

fuming

grinding

hot glass processes:

blowing

hot casting

hot forming

kiln forming:

bending

draping

fusing

kilncasting

pâtédeverre

raking

slumping

lampworking for:

beads

small sculptures

small vessels

lathe work

leadlight and copperfoil

melting glass in a furnace, kiln or flame

polishing

sandblasting

use of colour in or on glass

use of inclusions

use of pattern and texture.

Cost and supply parameters may relate to:

budgetary restrictions

capacity to share costs with others

continuity of supply

delivery issues

location of suppliers

potential for use of found objects

terms of payment

use of freely available natural materials

use of recycled materials.

Creative and professional opportunities may relate to:

creative potential:

communication of ideas

personal affinity with particular materials and processes

potential for combining materials and processes

potential for interactions of different materials and processes

themes in work

professional potential:

collaboration

emerging market trends

professional development

saleability.

Limitations and constraints may include:

availability of supplies

financial expenditure

safety aspects of process

storage facilities

studio space

timeframe

transportation.

Different ways of working with materials and processes may involve:

combining materials and processes in new ways

making samples, prototypes and maquettes

varying established approaches to achieve new effects

working collaboratively with a particular material or process.

Safe work practices may include:

completing MSDS

correct disposal of waste materials

dust and fume extraction

ergonomic safety

managing risk

reporting accidents and incidents

use of tools and equipment

using clearly designated wet and dry areas

using personal protective equipment (PPE).

Sustainable supply is:

available when needed

environmentally friendly

of appropriate quality

safe

within budgetary requirements.

Appropriate handling and storage may include:

appropriate racks, shelving and cupboards for:

glass cullet

glassworking in progress

plaster moulds

sheet glass

smaller quantities of dry materials

tools and equipment

appropriate storage containers and rooms for storing:

bulk dry materials

plastic clay

pottery plaster

liquid materials, including:

alternative casting materials, such as silicone, resins and waxes

commercial colours

solvent-based

water-based.


Sectors

Visual communication – glass


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

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