Drill Engraved Glass

Culture & Context

My work has evolved through my research of how women’s positions in Western society have been constructed through concepts of female empowerment, objectification and suppression.

I have contextualised these ideas with the use of iconography, symbolism and textual materials, each denoting specific male and female societal roles. This material both amalgamates and juxtaposes the traditionally gendered elements of weaponry and cosmetics.

Process & Production

I measured the forms and drew a grid on the surface to help position and draw the pattern and text. I marked the pattern and text on the surface with a fine line marker. These lines of the pattern and text ere then traced over with a narrow cone shaped diamond drill bit in a hand held drill engraver, set at a slow speed.

This shaped drill bit breaks the surface of the glass and stops the bigger diamond bit from slipping. I then inserted a bigger ball shaped drill bit into the hand engraver and traced over the first engraved line. I used different shaped diamond drill bits, such as cylinders and tear shapes to achieve different marks on the letters.

I filled in the fan pattern with a small ball shaped drill bit and a stippling motion. Finally excess marker and dust was removed with methylated spirits.