demetra theofanous captures the essence of spring

In the deep of Winter we search for signs of Spring, eager to see evidence of a thaw that marks the beginning of the season of renewal and rebirth. This morning I found the first signs of the season in the work of glass artist Demetra Theofanous. She speaks to this cycle of growth, change and rebirth with lampworked and hand blown glass nests, eggs, branches and flowers.

Still Life Series, Untitled, flameworked, hand blown eggs

The sculptures possess a quiet beauty that comes through the graceful forms, enhanced by a lush color palette and the ever-so-careful placement of each piece. A former CPA with a business degree who began her journey with glass only a few years ago, Theofanous reminds us that it is never too late to start over, to change direction…to realize our full potential.

Entangled, 12″ diameter, lampworked glass nest with hand blown eggs

Untitled Nest

Renewal, 24″ x 10 1/2 flameworked, hand blown branches, hot sculpted nest, blown eggs

She considers the tension between inner strength versus timing and circumstance, in starting over and changing our path.  Depending on the individual’s emotional structure, the scale can tip to either maintaining the status quo, or at the other extreme, taking a drastically different path. She points to unrealized potential, and most importantly, belief in self over circumstance.  Her eggs and flower buds are key elements that evoke this notion of rebirth, growth, and change, even at times when many feel their age or circumstance prohibits them from starting over. From Demetra Theofanous’ Artist Statement

Theofanous is a 2010 NICHE Award Finalist for her sculpture Renewal (detail images seen above). See the entire sculpture here.

Read her artist statement here.