Glass Abstract 2 is a photograph by Sarah Loft which was uploaded on July 21st, 2011.
Glass Abstract 2
The glass cubes in this image, are composed of dichroic glass which is manufactured by stacking layers of glass and thin layers of oxides or metals.... more
by Sarah Loft
Title
Glass Abstract 2
Artist
Sarah Loft
Medium
Photograph - Photograph With Digital Enhancement And Added Texture
Description
The glass cubes in this image, are composed of dichroic glass which is manufactured by stacking layers of glass and thin layers of oxides or metals. This gives the glass a shifting array of colors depending on the angle of view, or, in the case of photography, depending on the angle of the camera. Also entering into the composition are the distorted reflections of shapes and colors in the environment.
Per NASA Spinoff (https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2012/cg_2.html): NASA revitalized the production of dichroic glass in the 1950s and 1960s as a means of protecting its astronauts. Ordinary clear substances cannot protect human vision from the harsh rays of unfiltered sunlight, and everything from the human body to spacecraft sensors and computers are at risk if left unprotected from the radiation that permeates space. The microscopic amounts of metal present in dichroic glass make it an effective barrier against such harmful radiation.
While the ancient manufacturing technique called for adding metals to glass melt, NASA developed a process in which metals are vaporized by electron beams in a vacuum chamber and then applied directly to surfaces in an ultra-thin film. The vapor condenses in the form of crystal structures, and the process is repeated for up to several dozen coatings. The resulting material, still only about 30 millionths of an inch thick, is sufficient to reflect radiation even while the glass—or polycarbonate, as in the case of space suit helmets—remains transparent to the human eye.
Artist's recommendation: Get this as a METAL PRINT for maximum effectiveness.
Featured in the ABC group, May 2014.
Featured in the Pleasing the Eye group, October 2014.
Featured in The World We See group, February 2015.
Uploaded
July 21st, 2011
More from Sarah Loft
Comments (17)
Kay Novy
Very nice glass abstract, Sarah! L.F. and will nominate for a SPECIAL FEATURE in "1000 Views" group promo. #6.
Christopher James
One of your peers nominated this image in the 1000 views Groups nominated images by your fellow artist in the Special Features #6 promotion discussion. Please visit and pass on the love to another artist.
Maria Hunt
I found this small treasure in the Archives for 1000 Views. Only the image is more interesting than the description of your work. Very interesting.. Nominating this beautiful work of art for a Special Feature in 1000 Views.