Artist Talk with Bill Gudenrath – Glassblowing: Its Origins and Ultimate Virtuosity

Waterfall Arts is thrilled to host master glassblower and historian William Gudenrath from Corning Museum of Glass who will guide you through an exploration of the his digital publications, The Techniques of Roman-Period Glassblowing, The Techniques of Renaissance Venetian Glassworking, and The Techniques of Renaissance Venetian-Style Glassworking during this investigation of glassblowing history from the late 1st century BCE to about 1700. Bill’s talk will start with the beginning of glassblowing, about 50 BC, then it’s rapid spread to the Italian Peninsula and around the Mediterranean and the Roman World. Amazingly complicated objects were being made by the 4th century. He will show a remarkable medieval goblet of the 13 century, then proceed to focus on some virtuoso work of Renaissance Venetian glassblowers—culminating with a dragon-stemmed goblet made in the late 17th century. Throughout the evening, Bill will use still photos and videos of his own reconstructions of the original manufacturing processes to illustrate his points. A fascinating glass journey not to be missed! Tickets include refreshments and a meet-and-greet reception with Bill.

Resident advisor of The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass, William Gudenrath is a glassblower, scholar, author, lecturer, and teacher. Resident advisor of The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass, William Gudenrath is a glassblower, scholar, author, lecturer, and teacher. He is recognized internationally as one of the foremost authorities on glassmaking techniques of the ancient world through the 18th century.