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Paul ReameyPortfolio

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Table of Contents

Spring Chandelier10-13

Glass Horn Gramophone6-9

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Glass Work18-21

Salvaged Rosewood Camera Grip14-17

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Glass Horn GramophoneWork Completed January 2013Materials: Glass, Copper, Redwood

Modernized gramophone that passively boosts sound from both an iPhone 4 and a Samsung Galaxy S3.

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ProcessI used redwood for the support pieces and selected copper piping to both carry the sound and complement the copper-blue pigment of the glass. I also created interchangeable docks for the Samsung Galaxy S3 and iPhone 4. The Gramophone performed exceptionally well, filling the room with sound when the phone is set to 3/4 maximum volume.

Objective

The goal of this project was to build a device to increase the sound volume produced by phone speakers. It had to accommodate a Samsung Galaxy S3 and an iPhone 4.

IdeaI wanted to create a modern version of a traditional gramophone using glass. Glass provided a perfect medium to get the shape, size, and unique look I desired.

ProductIn researching the correct horn shape I found that a horn does not amplify sound but simply matches the impedance of the speaker to that of the air. The device therefore did not need a power source or additional speakers, just a path for the sound and a widening cone. I shaped a glass horn to match that of an old gramophone and focused on mounting the horn to optimize sound direction and quality.

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Spring ChandelierWork Completed February 2012

Chandelier of Spring-inspired glasswork for AQ Restaurant and Bar in San Francisco. The restaurant is seasonally themed and the chandelier was the centerpiece in the main dining area for the Spring period.

I completed the work in collaboration with fellow glass blower Gregor Horstmeyer.

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ProductThe final piece hung over the main dining area at AQ, the metal work and fixture installation having been completed by a third party. The glass shapes and colors successfully contributed the vernal theme of the existing decor and were featured in a piece by SFgate.

Final Shape Technique: Shaping a neck and flipping the connection point, we were able to get the curves and thickness we wanted.

Initial Shape Technique: The first strategy of cutting an opening in the tip produced thick, heavy pieces with undesirable bell shapes.

Initial Color Technique: Rolling a piece of dense color over a clear bubble of glass gave us a layer of color that was too thick and dark.

ObjectiveThe owner of AQ requested 12 different pieces, each light in color and weight. The shade and shape of each piece was to be unique to give the overall fixture an organic feel and compliment the vernal decor of the restaurant. Each piece needed to be open on both ends to allow for the fixture installation, which was a unique challenge.

Final Color Technique: Using a collar to pick up a small slice of color and blowing a bubble directly into the slice gave the glass a light, even hue.

Refined Process: By altering both strategies we were able to achieve the desired flower bud shape and translucent coloring.

Ideas and ProcessFirst Attempt: We tested two strategies, one to apply color and one to shape the glass. Neither one gave us the desired look so we refined the process.

Finished pieces before installation. Feb 2012Spring themed glassware at AQ , March 2012

Flowers in entrance archway, chandelier in rear. March 2012

AQ Dining area. March 2012 Main Chandelier. March 2012

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Salvaged Rosewood Camera GripWork Completed August 2013Material: Rosewood

Camera grip produced on the road through Cambodia and Laos. It was constructed with local materials and help from people along the way.

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ObjectiveThe camera was built to be very small with a low profile. This was aesthetically pleasing but made the camera uncomfortable to handle and difficult to use with one hand. I decided to build a grip to improve the overall shape and usability.

IdeaI decided on a grip shape to help with the ergonomics of the camera. Rosewood was locally abundant and prized for it’s use in carvings so I selected it as the medium for my grip. It is an especially hard and durable wood and it gave the camera an interesting texture and feel.

I started with a salvaged piece of rosewood and with tools from a local youth hostel. I worked on the grip whenever I stopped and could find the tools I needed. My primary focuses were matching the wood to the curve of the camera and carving grooves to correspond to my finger position.

Process

Kratie

Pakse

Kong Lor Village

Laos

Cambodia

ProductThe finished grip was curved on the edges to match my finger placement underneath and along the inside edge. It extended slightly off the side of the camera to provide more contact for the gripping hand. The grip made the camera more secure and comfortable to hold. All Photos taken from July-August 2013

On stops in different cities I shaped and tested the grip.

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Glass WorkAll Pieces Completed from 2009-2013

I have been blowing glass since high school and it remains one of my favorite creative outlets. This is a sample of my best work.

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Patterning and Shapes Wraps and Other Techniques

Stringer Technique (above): Stringers are thin strands of room temperature glass that can be picked up and melted into a larger piece. 2011

Creating new forms and patterns provides an unending challenge of problem solving and process strategy. Learning and perfecting those different methods is what has kept me interested in glass blowing. These are some examples of the different shape and pattern styles I have experimented with.

Glass color can be applied and manipulated in a huge variety of ways. Playing with those different techniques and color combinations, even in very simple ways, can produce some beautiful results. These pieces represent some of my color experimentation.

Wrapping colored glass around a clear bubble. Technique used on pieces pictured to the right. 2007-2008

Cane and Murini: rods and slivers of patterned glass color. This orientation was used to create the piece pictured to the right.

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2013

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