Episodes
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Blog: www.taminglightning.net
Instagram @taminglightning
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Hello lightning Tamers this is episode number 59. And in today's podcast,, I'll be joined by Greg Wilson, the President of Alta Robbins, a leading provider of precision engineering solutions, known for their high quality valves. With a wealth of knowledge in valve engineering and a deep understanding of the needs of the neon industry, Greg is here to share his insights and expertise with us.
Get ready for a deep dive into Alta Robbins valves, where we will learn Alta Robbins connection to Neon while understanding the intricacies one of the most important parts on your neon gas system. This include company history, choice of valve, troubleshooting and repair questions. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the world of neon and plasma, this episode promises to be enlightening and informative.
For our Patreon subscribers a transcript will be available for this episode! If your not yet a patreon member, you can sign up for 7-day trial with access to additional Taming Lightning content.
Welcome to Podcast Greg Wilson!Time Stamps
[2:03] What is Alta Robbins and where did it begin?
[9:47] What interested you to work in this company or work for your father?
[13:42] Is there any sort of advantage[difference] between the 1/4npt and 1/8npt port sizes for the valves?
[15:39] Discuss the significance / difference between Brass and Stainless-Steel valve bodies.
[17:26] Considerations when using fittings on Alta Robbins
[20:39] On the website, one the defining features of Alta Robbins is the following statement "The Difference is in the Seat" Could you help me and the audience understand why that is so important to the design?
[26:21] How does Alta Robbins ensure the reliability and durability of its valves in both high-vacuum and high-pressure environments? What is the 4-to-1 safety factor?
[29:25] One of the qualities that I adamire is that Alta Robbins Valves are simple to service. When is it recommended to replace individual parts of a valve versus replacing the entire unit to maintain optimal performance?
[34:51] Troubleshooting or explaination for the feeling like having to make more turns on the valve before seeing the metering of gas.
[37:58] Greg elaborates on a built in safety feature that better explains why it takes more that one turn before opening the valve.
[41:41] There's an arrow on the outside of the valve, and the question that you have been asked before was like, does it matter the direction of that valve in its use?
[45:40] Soft Goods Kit vs Bonnet Assembly, when do you replace parts and when to buy a new valve?
[49:50] What is Alta Robbins thoughts on partnering with Taming Lightning?
[52:13] A fun fact from Greg Wilson and his thoughts on and service to neon.
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Blog: www.taminglightning.net
Instagram @taminglightning
Adam smo: www.smoglass.com
ig: @smoglasstxSupport on Patreon.com/taminglightning
Hello Lightning Tamers this is episode number 58. And in today's podcast, I'll be joined by Adam Smo
Adam Smolesnky aka Adam Smo is a San Antonio-based glassblower known for working at the torch in borosilicate glass, he creates intricately detailed and colorfully crafted marbles, pendants, drinking glasses, pipes, and sculptures, and as of the recent few years has been diligently sharpening and pushing his skills in neon.
Welcome back to the Podcast Adam!
For our listeners, I met Adam back in 2019 on the 4th of July weekend for Glas Inaugural Plasma Parley featured on this podcast in ep 17, where Nate Shaeffer and Bruce Suba hosted a plasma get together to learn and talk about plasma. Adam was the first co-learner I had interviewed from the parley, amongst many who had the skills to not only manipulate the glass to make amazing vessels for plasma and fabricate their own manifold but most importantly the mindset to put aside previous knowledge and be completely open learning.
Musci Credits:
Preview - Retro by ONE
The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan
Sponsor - Good2Go - ONE
Credits - Walking by Ras-Hop
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Missing episodes?
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Blog: www.taminglightning.net
Instagram @taminglightning
Mark Ditzler: www.markditzler.com
Support on Patreon.com/taminglightning
In today's podcast, recorded July 2023, I'll be joined by Mark Ditzler. Who has been hospital in my visit to the seattle area, after the class I taught at Pilchuck this summer with Harriet Schwarzrock.Mark Ditzler is a trained industrial designer, ceramic artist, and self-taught fused glass expert based in Seattle. With over 30 years of experience, he crafts kilnformed glass for commissions and galleries, blending clay techniques seamlessly into his work. Mark has taught fusing classes both locally and nationwide, with a notable tenure at Corning Museum of Glass. His expertise spans neon tube bending in the 1980s, pioneering fused plasma projects with James Nowark Studio in the 1990s, and a collaborative residency at Corning focused on plasma with Wayne Strattman (2017). His work has graced prestigious venues like Bellevue Art Museum (2018) and Hong Kong Science Museum (2019). Currently, Mark is innovating in plasma, creating a bespoke “hood ornament” for a Corvette in L.A. and pioneering flat “neon” using cutting-edge kiln-forming techniques and glass cutting technology.
Music Credits:
Preview - Retro by ONE The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Sponsor - Good2Go by ONE Credits - Walking by Ras-Hop -
Episode Sponsored by FMS Sign Prodcuts , use promo code "LIGHTNING" for 10% off your first order.
Blog: www.taminglightning.net
Instagram @taminglightning
Support on Patreon.com/taminglightning
In today's podcast, recorded August 13th, 2023, I'll be joined by Suzanne Hargrove former Head of Conservation at the Toledo Museum of Art in a Conversation on Conservation.
We met in February 2022 during my GAPP (Glass Artist Pavilion Project) Residency, and she had graciously set up the Paul Seide Radio Light from the Museum's collection. I have a wide interest in glass and gas-illuminated artwork, so I wanted to discuss Paule Seide’s Radio Lights in this podcast as well. But I believe it's equally as important to address a variety of questions to give us an overview of art conservation and its relation to the artwork and the artist.
Music Credits:
Preview - Retro by ONE The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Sponsor - Good2Go by ONE Credits - Walking by Ras-Hop -
Episode Sponsored by Alta-Robbins
Blog: www.taminglightning.net
Instagram @taminglightning
Support on Ko-fi.com/taminglightning and Patreon.com/taminglightning
In today's podcast, recorded June 1st, 2023, I'll be joined by Angela McHale aka Angie aka Rose featuring Patrick Gadzinski. We just finishing up the week teaching at the Pittsburgh Glass Center in a class called Under Vacuum a Flameworking and plasma Intensive. We’ll get some insights into being an instructor or educator in the field of glass and plasma, nerd out about scientific glass, and discuss the challenges and learning opportunities found in workshops for professional practice.Music Credits:
Preview - Retro by ONE The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Sponsor - Good2Go by ONE Credits - Walking by Ras-Hop -
Episode Sponsored by Alta-Robbins
Blog: www.taminglightning.net
Instagram @taminglightning
Support on Ko-fi.com/taminglightning and Patreon.com/taminglightning
This is episode number 54. And in today's podcast, recorded May 18th, 2023, I'll be joined by Kate Herron on the second to last day teaching a workshop at the Toledo Museum of Art’s Glass Pavilion! We’ll talk with Kate and her experience making art through covid, what brought her to glass, Alfred University program and her introduction to Neon, teaching plasma at Toledo, and what’s next after getting her Masters in Fine Arts!
Music Credits:
Preview - Retro by ONE The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Sponsor - Good2Go by ONE Patreon Promo - Next Time by Hayku Credits - Walking by Ras-Hop -
Blog: www.taminglightning.net
Instagram @taminglightning
Support on Ko-fi.com/taminglightning and Patreon.com/taminglightning
Hello Lightning Tamers!
This is episode number 53. In today's podcast, recorded April 8th, 2023, I'll be joined by Ethan Samaha AGAIN and this time featuring Zach Layhew, where we talk about Ethan’s most recent residency at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. Here we talk about the application process for residency, Pulling Tubing for Neon: its challenges, Navigation color palettes, and the importance of residency when trying new ideas.
Welcome Back to the Podcast Ethan and Zach!
Music Credits:
Preview - Retro by ONE The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Patreon Promo - Next Time by Hayku Credits - Walking by Ras-Hop -
Blog: www.taminglightning.net
Instagram @taminglightning
Support on Ko-fi.com/taminglightning and Patreon.com/taminglightning
Hello Lightning Tamers this is episode number 52. And in today's podcast, recorded Dec 2nd, 2021, I'll be joined by Light and Space Artist, Ethan Samaha.
Ethan Samaha holds a BFA in Art + Design,a focus in Sculpture and Dimensional Studies, with minors in Performance Design and Technology and Dance, from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.
Ethan is visiting here in Pittsburgh for the week, and had reached out me to meet up and talk about neon and plasma. I was working in studio , and suggested we'd meet at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. After giving a tour of PGC, and about 2 hours of nerding out about plasma illumination, we decided to record a podcast.
In the next episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from Ethan himself as he delves into his fascinating color choices and palette for pulling tubing using the furnace blown glass and color. Get ready for an insightful discussion you won't want to miss!
Music Credits:
Preview - Retro by ONE The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Patreon Promo - Next Time by Hayku Credits - Walking by Ras-Hop -
Blog: www.taminglightning.net
Instagram @taminglightning
Support on Ko-fi.com/taminglightning and Patreon.com/taminglightning
Hello Lightning Tamers!
This is episode number 51. And in today's podcast, I'll be joined by Wayne Strattman, an innovator in lighted glass plasma technology, as an artist, designer, researcher, teacher, advocate, and author. Having recently published a new book called ‘The Art of Plasma: Creating lighted sculpture with gas, glass and electricity, Strattman reveals the history, theory, and practice of plasma art, and from that history, we'll be talking about plasma lighting before the discovery of inert gases talking about one of the under-recognized pioneers of gas discharge lighting known as Daniel McFarland Moore for his Moore Tubes
I hope you enjoyed the podcast.
Thank you Wayne for another podcast. And you my listener, please check out his book ‘The Art of Plasma’, it has a very well organized history of our field from the technology and innovators that make what we do possible and all in bite sized readings that you can use to dig deeper. If your interested in hearing some of those histories let me know, I’d love to share them with you!
Music Credits:
Preview - Retro by ONE Patreon Promo - Next Time by Hayku The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Credits - Walking by Ras-Hop -
Support on Ko-fi.com/taminglightning and Patreon.com/taminglightning
Hello Lightning Tamers!
This is episode number 50. And in today's podcast, recorded July 16, 2021 on the closing night for the Exhibition LIT: Light in Transmission, I'll be joined by Vicky A Clark to talk about her background as an independent curator, writer, and critic, as well as insights on the exhibition.
Thank you Vicky for your time on the podcast, your review, and your advice.
I'd like to thank Pittsburgh Glass Center for supporting me as a place of research and inspiration, in addition to their support via the Advance Black Arts in Pittsburgh Grant that funded the exhibition LIT: Light in Transmission. Plasma Art Alliance and the Facebook group Neon and Plasma Art for Beginner, where I have access to the well of knowledge and connects me to some amazing and supportive people.
Music Credits:
Preview - Retro by ONE Patreon Promo - Next Time by Hayku The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Credits - Walking by Ras-HopBlog: www.taminglightning.net
Instagram @taminglightning
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This is episode 49 and in today’s podcast I’ll be reading a review on an exhibition I curated called LIT: Light in Transmission which was shown in Hodge Gallery at the Pittsburgh Glass Center last year in 2021 from February 5 and extended until July 28. This is the second exhibition I’ve curated the first being in 2017 an ISU Alumni exhibition from Glass Progam, and so I find this to be valuable to have documented thoughts and interpretations of what I’ve helped create. This goes double for the podcast and any of the video guides, and content, I produce. Your feedback is valuable. The following review is by Pittsburgh-based independent curator and critic Vicky A. Clark who is an art historian and author specializing in contemporary art and was written for Issue 163 of the Glass Quarterly Magazine, as a heads up, in the next episode I have a conversation with Vicky learn about her background and share insights about the exhibition.
Preview - Retro by ONE Patreon Promo - Next Time by Hayku The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Sponsor - Good2Go - ONE Credits - Walking by Ras-Hop -
Hello Lightning Tamers! This is episode number 48 and in this podcast returning to Taming Lightning, I’ll talk about what I learned during my hiatus both in plasma and career, update on the podcast scheduled through the end of 2022, and talk about What I’m doing now!
Support on Ko-fi.com/taminglightning and Patreon.com/taminglightning
Music credits to the following artists in order of appearance: The Art of dying quote from Bruce Lee from Longstreet The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Credits - Walking by Ras-HopBlog: www.taminglightning.net
Instagram @taminglightning
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Music credits to the following artists in order of appearance: Preview - Sung Jin Woo Rap | "Arise" by Daddyphatsnaps The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Credits - Walking by Ras-Hop
Hello Lightning Tamers!
This is not an episode. So in today's podcast, I’m going to give a little announcement about Taming Lightning going on a hiatus.
YES, you heard that right a hiatus.I’ve officially planned for the hiatus to start July and to end in October, 2022.
The reason for this hiatus is well, I need to take time to stop adapt to my most recent life events and changes: New Job, Moving to a new place, and Teaching and Assisting - Summer workshops!
Before I go, I need to ask a favor. If you could, I’d like you to got to taminglightning.net, and leave a comment about what you’ld like to hear about on the podcast, it could be something from a previous guest or something new. I’d love to hear it, so I can help share it.
If you like to support Taming Lightning, subscribe to the newsletter on www.taminglightning.net, or follow on instagram @taminglightning, other options for support are one-time donations through Ko-Fi, or you join me on Patreon for additional perks and benefits. I’ll have links provided in the show notes. Feel free to share, comment, and subscribe.
As always Be Safe, Be Healthy, and Be Strong, and I’ll See you next time.
-Percy Echols II, Taming Lightning
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Episode Sponsored by Glass Art Society and Fluxeon
Shownotes on www.taminglightning.net
Hello Lightning Tamers! This is episode 47, and I’m here with Thomas Zickuhr of Neon Lab and Neon instructor at the University of Wisconsin Madison.
Thomas Zickuhr is a neon glass/mixed media artist based out of Madison Wisconsin and has been a neon glassblower for nearly 20 years, though has been an active artist his entire life. After finishing his degree in Fine Art/Sculpture from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Tom moved to Boulder Colorado and took on an intensive 4 year apprenticeship in neon. After the foundation for neon had been laid, he, his wife Kristine, and their dogs moved to Madison, WI where Tom continued to learn and grow in the craft of neon. Thomas also studied and practiced design and animation, and continues to work and create in all three fields.
Music credits Preview - Retro by ONE The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Sponsor - Good2Go by ONE Credits - Walking by Ras-HopAs mentioned at the start of this episode, Tom Zickuhr has been a recommendation for quite awhile. And like many of our guests there’s a interesting story with each and every person. Sometimes what your passionate about is is given as gift or opportunity, other times you bear all the effort, atleast from a limited perspective its seems to be one or the other, but here we have an example showing both, luck, effort, and determination!
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Episode Sponsored by Glass Art Society and Fluxeon
Shownotes on www.taminglightning.net
Hello lightning Tamers this is episode number 46. And in today's podcast, I'll be joined by Ben Orozco.
Ben has co-hosted on the podcast in theTaming Lighting x GEEX collaboration, a 4 part series called Intro to Plasma.Today Ben will be formally introduced as guest on Taming Lightning and we well be talking Neon as Systems building, the use of light to depict space, and neon as a design language.
Music credits Preview - Retro by ONE The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Sponsor - Good2Go by ONE Credits - Walking by Ras-HopI found the subject of Systems Building to be as an important tool for artists and neon bender to be just as applicable beyond the focus of the this podcast. I do find it valuable to check out the episode on Story Points from the podcast Two Scrums up, which helps you to quantify an estimate of the effort and time required to complete a task or piece of work. So be sure to check out the show notes on Taming lightning.net for podcast, books, and resources mentioned in this episode.
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Episode Sponsored by Glass Art Society and Fluxeon
Shownotes on www.taminglightning.net
Hello, Lightning Tamers!
This is episode number 45! In today's podcast, I'll be joined by Amy Lemaire. The reason why I want to talk to Amy has been manyfold. I see my journey in hers, the multiple disciples and curiosities, to her involvement with pioneering plasma at Urban Glass, and her current development of plasma education at the Salem Community College Glass Program where she is surrounded by skilled and educated students and faculty, in which she dives into plasma illumination from an emphasis on research within the Arts.
Music Credits:
Retro by ONE The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Good2Go by ONE Walking by Ras-Hop -
Episode Sponsored by Ventex Technology, Glass Art Society, and Fluxeon.
IG @sveneon
Show Notes on Taming Lightning Website
Hello lightning Tamers this is episode number 44. In today's podcast, recorded June 22, 2020, I'll be joined by David Svenson
David Svenson was born in 1953 in Upland, California. He graduated from Pitzer College in 1980, and has been incorporating neon in his work since the mid 80s. Often using glass and neon as his dominant medium, his works are known to express the subtle glow of colored light in combination with carved wood or other sculptural materials. Growing up in the rural citrus country of Southern California, just miles away from classic examples of State Route 66 neon signage, he was left with an early impression of multi-colored light easily seen in the darkness of the night. This childhood juxtaposition, combined with witnessing breathtaking displays of the Aurora Borealis in mid teens where he studied Alaskan Tlingit art and culture, set David on the path of light. Learning, teaching, sharing skills and knowledge about glass, neon, art and the Pacific rim cultures are important aspects of David’s life today. Aside from working in his studio, David teaches at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and has taught classes at the Pilchuck Glass School, WA, Corning Museum of Glass,, Urban Glass, NY, and has given workshops internationally. He has served as Board President of MONA (The Museum of Neon Art) and works periodically with a team of Alaska Native totem carvers on large commissions.
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EP 43 is OUT! In the form of Neon
Marta Beltowska
www.martabeltowska.com
IG @in.the.form.of.neon @mbeltowska
Shownotes on Taming Lightning Website
In today's podcast, recorded July 13, 2020, I'll be joined by Marta Beltowska “in the form of neon.”
Marta Beltowska lives in Stockholm, Sweden, and works as a Video and STreaming Producer at a non-profit foundation called TRR. She graduated with a bachelor's in photography in 2014 at the University of Southampton in England and started her career as a photography assistant before moving to Sweden.
After a creative block post-university, Marta found that local neon signs had become her subject of curiosity. And what began as a hobby has now turned into an almost obsessive passion. Since 2018 she has made short documentaries called In the Form of Neon, about the artists who create neon signs.
I’m always curious about the different avenues that bring people to illuminated works of neon and plasma, and so I appreciate the work that Marta does to bring them to light. With the visual medium of neon and plasma, video is a very strong middle way to an in person experience. It was a pleasure to meet you back in 2019 at the Glass Factory in Boda, Sweden. It’s very impressive how you can navigate the chaos of the workshop and organize them beautifully in audio and video! Thank Marta for your time on the podcast, and for your support through our passion project In the form of neon.
Please support in the form of neon by watching on Martabeltowska.com and Vimeo, she has videos of the following artists including myself: Ben Orozco, Ed Kirshner, Stephanie Lifshutz, and Clif Eddens.
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www.taminglightning.net
ig:@taminglightning
Harriet Schwarzrock @harryschwarzrock
This is episode number 42. And in today's podcast, recorded June 5th, 2021, I'll be joined by Harriet Schwarzrock for Harry 2.0 - Lights, Glass, and Phosphors.
We’ll be taking this time to reflect on the recent virtual conference for the 2021 Glass Art Society, recent exhibitions, and projects, and overall plasma journey.
Music credits to the following artists in order of appearance: Retro by ONE Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan brainstorm by ONE Next Time by Hayku Credits - Walking by Ras-HopI hope you enjoyed the podcast. This is another favorite for me, to be able to reconnect to talk and see how much has changed since our previous recording. Harry has been very generous with showing her process, and sharing both her failures and successes, and she’s not afraid to ask for help. And you can tell she loves what she does in spite of the added challenges and difficulties provided by working in plasma!
Just like myself she learns from those in our growing community of plasma and neon artists and enthusiasts. These overlaps and discussions are what helps us grow!
I recommend checking out the Facebook group, Neon and Plasma Art for Beginners, there are always a dozen hands to help, tons of books and video resources, and you may find some equipment for sale as well.
Recommendations for your eyes and ears are the Light on the Horizon Video exhibition, the Intro the Plasma Series in collaboration with GEEX, and EP 20: Plasma Light Art from Sweden to Boston, and Beyond!
Thank you again Harry for taking the time to record!
I'd like to thank Pittsburgh Glass Center for supporting me as a place of research and inspiration. Plasma Art Alliance where I have access to the well of knowledge and connects me to some amazing and supportive people.
Feel free to share, comment, and subscribe.
As always Be Safe, Be Healthy, and Be Strong, and I’ll See you next time! -
www.taminglightning.net
ig: @taminglightning
Nikki Lau www.nikkilauart.com
ig: @lau.nikki
Hello Lightning Tamers!
Preview - Retro by ONE The opening theme - Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan Patreon - Next Time by Hayku PGC promo - Mixtape by Prod. Riddiman Credits - Walking by Ras-Hop
In today's podcast, I'll be joined by Ceramic Artist Nikki Lau to talk about her recent residency at the Pittsburgh Glass Center with Crash Course in Neon as a participant in the upcoming exhibition Full Spectrum: Visionaries Elevating Art Craft, and Design and will be opening February 4th, 2022. The exhibition showcases visionary makers of color from around the country who are producing extraordinary craft objects, while illustrating the vast number of pathways to a successful and meaningful career.I hope you enjoyed the podcast. This was one of my first experiences facilitating part of the residency. Though when I look back at it, it really isn’t so very different than being an artist assistant or TA. But what was really new was facilitating neon which, from my recent conversations since this recording has led to me believing their much work ahead of me for a full in-studio experience. I would say Frustrating and Fun are the best way to describe working with glass, especially such skillful processes like neon bending. While I fell in love with plasma first, I’m starting to find a very strong interest in neon thanks to Nikki Lau nudge for Neon in her proposal and the well-appreciated guidance and teaching of Tim Tackacs. Speaking of Tim, you can learn about him is his journey in neon on the podcast in episode 28: American Classic Neons with Tim Takacs. ( links in the show notes above)
Thank you Nikki Lau for the conversation and respect to your jumping hands first into the fires! I hope this experience has helped nudge you into the possibilities of using neon in your future works, even if your hand isn’t the one bending.
I'd like to thank Pittsburgh Glass Center for supporting me as a place of research and inspiration. Plasma Art Alliance where I have access to the well of knowledge and connects me to some amazing and supportive people.
Feel free to share, comment, and subscribe.
As always Be Safe, Be Healthy, and Be Strong, and I’ll See you next time!
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