Tim Tate’s newest series 21st c. Sideshows are electronic reliquaries that combine blown and cast glass, video and sideshow posters to create modern day sideshows. Tim recently described to us how he creates these narrative pieces and even provided us with visuals for each step along the way.

Tim explained that ideas for new pieces usually come to him late at night. Each piece begins with a video, which is the most create part of the process for him. Aside from shooting and editing each video, the small cast elements in each piece are the most time consuming part of the process.

To create the small cast pieces, Tim first makes them in clay. The clay is covered in rubber which he then cuts down and pulls out the clay. Wax then goes inside the rubber and is covered in plaster. From there the wax is boiled out and molten glass is poured in. The cast elements are then UV glued to the base and finial. Lastly, the video and electronics are installed and then the vitrine is sealed to the base.

Below are the step-by-step visuals provided by Tim. Be sure to also watch Tim’s Artist Talk on our website to learn how and why Tim started working with glass.

All images © Tim Tate

Tim Tate
21st c. Sideshows
May 6 – July 9, 2011

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