Taming Lightning x GEEX: Intro to Plasma

The Taming Lightning podcast, created and hosted by Percy Echols II, unpacks the alchemy of plasma and neon technology while interviewing artists, craftspeople, and scientists in the field.

In this collaboration between Percy Echols II of Taming Lightning and Ben Orozco of GEEX, the two respective plasma and neon artists/technicians have produced a 4-chapter series for glass educators and co-learners new to the plasma process, introducing elements of plasma in an easy-to-apply format, while touching on Percy’s journey as a self-starter and alchemist.

Chapter 1

Plasma Primer with Percy

meet Percy + Ben, anatomy of plasma sculpture, Percy’s approach to plasma + alchemy

Chapter 2

Taking Shape

guidelines for vessel structure, why use glass, aesthetic considerations with geometry and surface, electrode types, attachment, and placement

Chapter 3

It’s Lit: Chemistry of Collaboration

plasma as state of matter, gas fills, filling process + collaboration, powering + installing plasma safely

Chapter 4

Starting Your Plasma Journey

Percy’s plasma journey, tips on building your own setup, mindset, a future for plasma education

Chapter 1: Plasma Primer with Percy

EPISODE NOTES

Get to know Percy + Plasma 👋

• What is Taming Lightning? 
• 2020 GAS Virtual Conference | Taming Lightning: Getting the word out!
• In the form of neon – with Percy Echols II
• Know your Elements! Chemistry World Podcast Playlist

Percy’s helpful diagram of the many elements of Plasma (and Neon)

Chapter 1 Podcast Audio

Bonus: Percy’s Chapter 1 “X” Notes

Percy delves into more detail on the Elements and Anatomy of Plasma, as well as how his personal experiences shaped the creation of “Telltale Truth”

Percy’s Top 5 TL⚡ Episodes for Beginners to Plasma

Episode 1 with Patrick Collentine

“In this episode, you’ll be introduced to the differences between plasma and neon, and the very person who encouraged my plasma journey and this podcast!”

Link

Plasma, Workshops, and Expectations

“This episode is in response to a weeklong intensive plasma workshop with Ed Kirshner at Pittsburgh Glass Center. In this, I explain what a plasma workshop entails and how to get the most out of it.”

Link

A Noble Quest: History of Noble Gases

“In search of answers about the noble gases (re: who, how, and when they were discovered) my curiosity led me to new and grander resources, such as the article written by Mike Sutton in the Chemistry World Magazine.”

Link

Episode 7 with Mundy Hepburn

“Mad scientist, alchemist, and luminous glass artist: Mundy Hepburn is a truly unique personality in the plasma world.”

“A master student of over 30 years, who taught himself neon, plasma, and glassblowing. He creates life-sized plasma lamps and vessels, as well as shaping hand pulled glass tubing, creating distinct forms and gestures.”

Link

Episode 15 with Ed Kirshner

“Inspired by natural occurrences of plasma, such as the aurora borealis, Ed Kirshner creates air-tight vessels using a glass-soldering technique with ready-made and produced glass objects.”

“[Kirshner] also incorporates fabrications and collaborations with skilled glassblowers at both the torch and furnace, most notably Bernd Weinmayer, Jaime Guerrero, and Mitch LaPlante. In these works, the interplay of geometry of glass shape and volume are a big player in discovering various patterns and displays.”

Link

Chapter 2: Taking Shape

Chapter 3: It’s Lit: Chemistry of Collaboration

Chapter 4: Starting Your Plasma Journey

FUNDRAISING SUMMARY

Percy Echols II has produced Taming Lightning since 2018. His full time job provides him the security to produce this content in his spare time. GEEX feels the glass community is remarkably lucky to have this resource, and it’s our goal to supplement that “luck” with monetary support.

During the time of producing the 4-chapter Intro to Plasma series, GEEX was able to meet the fundraising goal of $2,800 to support Percy! We hope the community will continue to support Percy’s expertise and establish a precedent of compensating valued voices in the field.

You can continue to support Percy by visiting his website. If you would like to see more collaborations, low-cost programming, and community resources, support GEEX!