Working in Shallow Space: Bas-Relief in Kilnformed Glass with Richard Parrish, Online Class, January 9 and 30, 2027

Working in Shallow Space: Bas-Relief in Kilnformed Glass with Richard Parrish

Discover the expressive potential of “shallow space” in kilnformed glass. In this online class, renowned artist and educator Richard Parrish shares his unique approach to bas-relief—a timeless technique where subtle shifts in depth transform the interaction of light, color, and texture on glass surfaces.

Unlike traditional open-face casting methods that use plaster-silica molds, this course centers on the use of ceramic fiber paper to create layered molds. This accessible, flexible approach enables greater control over surface relief and depth.

The class includes a core instructional video—Working in Shallow Space with Richard Parrish—which will guide you through everything from inspiration to technical processes to variations of the three core projects. It is accompanied by two live online sessions:

• Session 1: A Video Watch Party with live Q&A hosted by Richard
• Session 2: Project Sharing and peer discussion with feedback

What You’ll Learn

• Creating Solid Color Blocks: Learn how to construct 9–10mm thick fused glass blocks in three styles:
  • White
  • Transparent, such as deep indigo blue tint
  • Black, using opaque black sheet glass
• Layered Blocks for Coldworking: Build multi-layered color blocks designed to be coldworked, revealing hidden layers of color. Richard demonstrates how contrast and subtlety emerge by grinding through alternating sheets of black and white glass.
• Fiber Mold Construction: Design and build multi-depth molds using stacked layers of ceramic fiber paper to control the thickness and shape of your final piece.
• Powder & Frit Castings: Create richly textured and colorful surfaces using glass powders and frits applied directly to your fiber mold. The video offers detailed examples, including:
  • A grayscale palette with red accents
  • A blues-based palette (featuring Egyptian blue) with pinks and purples for warmth, including a subtle “white grid” effect
• Coldworking Techniques: Refine and finish your work using diamond hand pads, water-fed grinders, lap wheels, and silicon carbide methods to polish surfaces and reveal underlying color strata.
• Finishing & Display: Apply sealing products like Miracle 511 Seal & Enhance to restore luster, and explore options for wall mounting using French cleats.

NOTE: Once the techniques taught in this course are understood, the process can be scaled up to larger, more ambitious panel compositions. The use of fiber paper instead of traditional investment materials not only simplifies the mold-making process, but also makes it more adaptable: fiber is lightweight, easy to cut, and available in large-format sheets, making it excellent for the creation of architectural or multi-panel installations.

Course Highlights

• Guided development of three bas-relief projects
• Emphasis on material selection and artistic effect
• Detailed firing schedules and volume calculations
• Access to a private Facebook group for support and sharing

Whether you're new to surface relief or looking to deepen your approach to kilnformed glass, this course offers the tools, techniques, and inspiration to develop expressive, dimensional work with clarity and precision.

Note to Alumni of Working in Shallow Space in-person class: Richard Parrish’s online class is the same project as the historic in-person class. Detailed video instruction is new to the online class. Along with the video, which you can refer to anytime, there is also an information-filled class guide and a supportive private facebook group for students. This class is a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge of the methods covered, gain long-term access to these technical assets, and to reconnect with Richard in our online classroom.

We believe this entire package is an exceptional way to learn! It’s an opportunity to get a thorough, step-by-step understanding of how Parrish approaches bas-relief, his artistic passion. So get ready to join two live sessions with Richard Parrish, to share your work, to inspire and be inspired, and to take your work to new levels.

Materials and Tools

You can preview the class Materials and Supplies List to get a sense of what you'll need to participate.

Requirements