colin westeinde uses copper and molten glass in parametric pendant

colin westeinde uses copper and molten glass in parametric pendant
photo © rob chron
all images courtesy of colin westeinde

the parametric pendant series by rhode island school of design student colin westeinde adapts a generative grasshopper script to consistently produce unique variations rather than exact replicas of the initial lighting design. the structure is made from copper and glass and is formed using adaptable system that allows for fluid and variable shapes, without reducing its fabrication efficiency. by following an easily modifiable parameter, the production method creates a slightly different piece every time.

the process begins in the computer with a model of the faceted vessel, which is used to manipulate different iterations of the pendant’s water jet cut copper shell. the outer shell is then transformed through the introduction of a smoke gray glass bubble.

parametric pendants glassblowing timelapse
video courtesy of colin westeinde

when the molten glass and copper interact they form a single object, the glass reacts to the expanded shape and the copper adopts a natural heat patina, weakening it under the intense heat of the glass so that it moves and responds simultaneously. each model is carefully controlled in the copper and blowing stages so that a general shape can be anticipated, how the glass and copper will respond to one another in the heat of the moment is never certain however, as new shapes interact.

parametric pendant blown with intense pressure and with many sides
photo © rob chron

parametric pendant with six sides and expanded evenly
photo © rob chron

parametric pendant lightly expanded
photo © rob chron

parametric pendant with shallow copper form and hot, easily moving glass
photo © rob chron

parametric pendant with many sides and even expansion
photo © rob chron

parametric pendant with hot, expanded shoulder
photo © rob chron

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