James Labold

Just back home from a recent gallery show- one of my favorite little pieces featuring both my signature hot blow mold process AND lost PLA “casting” I’m not sure who else in the glass community is combining these processes like this but regardless I know this is a unique and exciting approach despite what countless committees and juries have rejected from some of our most prestigious residencies and grant programs!!! this polychrome Heracles is looking for a good home 😎 Back up on the website studio shop page! the world is ugly- put something beautiful in your house! Linky Bio!! Mold blown glass from a 3d modeled and 3d printed original 2023 11.5” x 6.5” x 4” 🥰 😵‍💫 🙃 ✌️ #glass #glassart #saltyboi #teachingartist #contemporaryart #contemporarysculpture #heracles #hercules #lostPLA #postmodernismo #design #interiordesign #pleasebuymyart #phillyartist #philadelphiaartist

4 years ago I had never made a 3d print, let alone edited any 3d files… Now I have a studio full of these glass objects derived from 3d prints and 3d models I digitally collages… not everything is complete (far from it) only a few of these have even been exhibited, (even fewer sold lol) but I think it’s maybe becoming a body of work 😅 It’s been a huge change in how I make things and how I conceptualize projects- these are definitely built on processes I’ve been exploring for years at this point, but it’s a long way from where I started. There’s a lot of excitement in the new techniques and directions but also it’s pretty intimidating to move away from what you are “know for” even if not that well know haha I’ll be 44 in a few weeks, keep trying new things kids! There are some perks to being unfettered by the chains of financial success… obviously plenty of downsides to that too but hey I’m on a positive thing here! #inspirationalquotes #neverstopemerging #glass #laboldmold #sculpture #3dprinting #3dprintedart #deepthoughts #digitalart #analogart #castglass #glassblowing

Short reel on the journey from a digital scan to the cast glass sculpture in my last post! There were a few questions so hopefully this helps clear things up a little- I’m not a professional #contentcreator so I don’t have great videos of every step but this covers the major points. 😜😜 1st: digital scans from @scantheworld an online library of 3d models of cultural heritage objects from around the world. 2nd: Digitally collage/ remix those scans in #meshmixer which is a free program from @autodesk 3rd: 3d print that new digital object on my @creality3d #ender5pro 4- Post processing the print: painting/ sanding/ repeat 5-Rubber mold making: if I want to make multiples without burning through a ton of PLA I’ll make a rubber mold usually @smoothon polyurethane but sometimes silicone 6-Wax work: create wax positives from that rubber mold, refine waxes add additional details etc Refractory mold making: invest wax positive in plaster/silica refractory blend, melt out wax leaving a negative form of the object 7-Kiln firing: load mold with @bullseyeglass and fire away up to 1550 degrees Fahrenheit then about a week of annealing 8-Divesting/ Demold: very carefully remove mold material ‘and clean piece 9- cold working and finishing: grinding polishing and otherwise addressing any possible residue or the casting process 10- documentation and of course spend forever making an instagram reel about your work! Simple enough right?! Also can’t forget to mention the mold making and kiln firing all done in the beautiful kiln shop @scc.glass.center where you can come learn #kilncasting from me this summer! #laboldmold #lostwax #lostpla #moldmaking #3dprintedart #glass #sculpture #contemporaryart #contemporaryglass #contemporarysculpture #process #3dprinting #moldmaking #moldmaker #mould #digital #venus #aphrodite #glitch #glitchart #vaporwaveaesthetic #digitalanalog

We’re excited to announce our next exhibition, “Future/Past/Present,” opening May 29 at InLiquid Gallery! Join us at the opening reception on June 11, 6 – 9 pm • RSVP link in @inliquidart ‘s bio! “Future/Past/Present” reminds us that our political landscape extends beyond our present line of sight. As we approach the United States’ 250th Anniversary, we reflect on our nation’s evolution and hopes for the future. Randall Cleaver (@randallcleaver ) creates dioramic sculptures of political metaphors. Cleaver works intuitively, starting with an idea or a particular object. As each project progresses, the growing relationships between components inform the resulting piece. Billy Colbert describes his work as “capturing the generational blur of oppression so that it can be seen at a rate that allows understanding and creates a vision for a new future.” Carolyn Harper (@carolynharperart ) hand-sews quilt portraits of incarcerated individuals, many imprisoned for decades. The portraits are an attempt to show the humanity of those forgotten by the world. Candace Karch (@sugarbeam ) captured the vibrant and rebellious spirit of Philadelphia’s drag performance scene in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment of artistic expression and community. James Labold (@jameslabold ) investigates connections between national identity, consumer culture, and mythology. Inspired equally by high and low culture, he examines ways “History” changes in evolving perspectives. Carole Loeffler (@caroleloeffler ) employs repurposed textiles to explore the erasure of women’s history, the shaping of beauty standards, and the shared experience of womanhood. Benjamin B. Olshin presents artifacts from alternative realities, grounded in extensive research and world-building. Featured: Slide 2: “Benjamin” by Candace Karch Slide 3: “Saying It Without Saying It by Billy Colbert Slide 4: “Puppet Master” by Randall Cleaver Slide 6: “Shavone” by Carolyn Harper Slide 7: “Roadside Distraction” by James Labold Slide 8: “Herstory” (Detail) by Carole Loeffler Slide 9: “Republic of Texas Passport” by Benjamin B. Olshin

Calling all glassies: hot shop, casters, moldmakers, lost waxing, analog assemblage, anti-purists, experimental goofballs, and the generally curious! There is still time to register for my five day workshop @scc.glass.center this May 26th to 30th We will create lost wax molds for the hot glass studio in order to create highly detailed blown glass forms. All the details of the casting with none of the weight! Well some wait but you get it! You too can learn all the secrets of the Labold Molds©️ from me, critically reviewed former emerging artist™️ James Labold No hot shop or mold making experience necessary but it doesn’t hurt. If you are curious and enthusiastic we will your weird wax a glass reality. Located in Salem county NJ- 45 minutes from Philadelphia! Linky bio of course #glassart #workshop #laboldmold #sculpture #lostwax

NOVA SERIES: BEN-DOG & ABE-EAGLE Sometime around the bicentennial Avon released a line of men’s cologne bottles in the form of various presidents, and Ben Franklin too Just in time for America 250th, The Nova series remixes the famous founders heads with bodies of assorted animals from Avon’s “wild country” line of novelty shaped bottles to create new chimeric characters for the American civic religion #america250 #avon #laboldmold #glassart #contemporarysculpture

Join us here at the Glass Education Center this May and June for an extraordinary 5-day workshop in a variety of glassmaking processes under the guidance of extraordinary instructors! Incredible multiday glass workshops are available in flameworking, glassblowing, casting, stained glass, plasma, and more! SCC’s 2026 Intensive Workshop Series lineup includes workshop opportunities with Lacey “LaceFace” Walton, Oksana Puzhalova, Patty Clune, Wes Heart, Paul Stankard & Lucio Bubacco, Kim Thomas (Zii), James Labold, Lucie Kovarova-Weir, Bandhu Dunham, Anna Boothe, David Graeber, Carol Ann Savage, Cat Burns & Chris Giordano, Dani Brensinger & Liesl Schubel, Joseph Cavalieri, Angie McHale, Sam Sonnenfeld, and Katie Severance & Klaus Paris! Workshop details and registration can be found at www.salemcc.edu/glass-intensives. All workshops include materials for participation as well as additional studio time outside of class. Workshop opportunities are available for those with a range of experience levels, including those new to working with glass. #glasslife #glassblowing #flameworking #glassstudio #glassclass

Would you like to achieve incredible precision and detail in your blown glasswork? Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced glassblower, this is an exciting opportunity to expand your skills—don’t miss this dynamic workshop with artist James Labold! James Labold, @jameslabold “Labold Molds - Lost Wax Molds in the Hot Shop” Glassblowing & Hot Glass Blow Molds May 26 - 30, 2026 This 5-day hot glass intensive explores the hot blow mold and lost wax processes—combining elements of lost wax casting with glassblowing to create richly detailed blown forms with a cast-glass-like finish. Time will be divided between sculpting, mold making, and working in the hot shop. Students will begin with a blank wax form, carving into or building upon it to create unique sculptural designs. A variety of rubber molds made from found objects will also be available, allowing participants to collage textures, forms, and intricate details into their work. These forms will then be invested and burned out, leaving behind a mold that can be used to produce an exact glass replica. In addition to wax, participants will explore using fabric, cardboard, and a variety of other materials to create our original forms as well as incorporating other blown glass inclusions in the molds. Demonstrations and lectures will cover basic rubber mold making and simple ways of finishing the blown glass forms, through cold working and a variety of mixed media surface techniques. While a basic familiarity with the hot shop is recommended, students only need to know how to gather and blow a bubble to participate. No prior mold-making experience is required. This course is suitable for a wide range of skill levels, from beginner to advanced.. Materials and additional studio access are included. Reserve your spot today at www.salemcc.edu/glass-intensives. #glassblowing #hotglass #glassworkshop #moldmaking #lostwax

Is it new wave? Is this something like an old punk making a dance song? This is not a love song and maybe I’m just dancing with myself but if I had the chance I’d make a bunch more of these while I sweat, and I’ll sweat sweat sweat sweat….. I think these afterparty gloops are called the Dracula for obvious reasons Tap your favorite design thinking clever creative interior decorating forward freaky fronds #dracula #gloop #glass #design #candelabra

Afterparty- the candle holders that also look great in the sun 🤷‍♂️✨ Still dialing in the details, it’s hard to make everything exactly the same without molds and all but these are their own challenge. Each glass piece is made by hand (the old fashioned way) with a process that discourages uniformity, but the goop has to gloop in just the right way to make the cut… These are somehow almost *everything* I love about working hot glass AND even utilitarian #interiordesign #glass #design #candleholder #handmade

I saw two clips of AI generated George Washingtons over the weekend, one where he was dressed like a tech bro podcaster being interviewed by Glenn Beck (the real human Beck interviewed the artificial Washington) and one as part of some insane pseudo-educational propaganda tour…. I posted in stories Anyway I thought I was done but then that happened so the progress continues over here with more layers of paint and more layers of imitation gold to come 😵‍💫😵‍💫😜 #glassart #workinprogress #washington #contemporaryart #laboldmold

Do you want to create incredibly detailed glasswork? Are you a glass artist looking to expand your vocabulary with the material? Are you an artist working in another medium interested in translating your sculptural ideas into glass? Join artist-educator James Labold, @jameslabold , for his 5‑day hot mold blowing workshop, “Labold Molds – Lost Wax Molds in the Hot Shop,” May 26–30. This class is open to participants of all experience levels! Details & registration: www.salemcc.edu/glass-intensives This immersive 5‑day intensive explores the Hot Blow Mold and Lost Wax processes. Combining techniques from lost wax casting with traditional glassblowing, students will produce blown forms with highly detailed surfaces and a finish reminiscent of cast glass. Time will be divided between sculpting, mold making, and hot shop work. Participants will begin with a blank wax form, which they can carve into or build upon to develop personal sculptural designs. A variety of rubber molds taken from found objects will also be available, allowing students to collage textures, shapes, and embellishments into their wax forms. These will then be invested and melted out, leaving a mold ready for transforming the design into hot glass – capturing every detail! Beyond wax, the workshop will introduce additional materials such as fabric, cardboard, and other mixed-media forms, as well as methods for incorporating blown inclusions into molds. Demonstrations and lectures will cover rubber mold making basics and multiple surface‑finishing approaches including cold working and mixed‑media techniques. While familiarity and basic understanding of the hot shop is necessary, any student with the knowledge of how to make a bubble and take a few gathers can blow a hot mold! Students do not need a prior experience with mold making for this course. This class is appropriate for students of a variety of skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Video of James creating work in the studio using hot glass blow molds with the assistance of @steveoglass @tatumlaruee @real_kieran_betz @zachmorris.media #glassart #hotshop #glasssculpture #glasscasting #lostwax