A comment on Paul Stankard’s Facebook page led me to glass artist Margaret Neher. When a glass master is taken aback by fruit at SOFA Chicago I can’t help but take note and hit the research trail.
[nonmember]This archived post is for Members Only. Click here to become a member or to get a one day pass. If you are a member, please login to view the post. [/nonmember] [private_archives]It was worth the effort. Neher does not disappoint.
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Eden’s Child, flameworked glass
The Ithaca, NY artist’s flameworked glass translates “the fragile delicacy of orchids, wildlife and everyday fruits into lasting art objects.”
Autumn Bounty
Autumn Bounty, detail
A nine-time NICHE Award finalist and three-time winner, Neher captures the life of nature’s bounty through her expert use of color, control over the flame and eye for detail.
Spilled Fruits
Eggplants
Pomegranate and Tangerine
Plums
“I’m drawn to the challenge of capturing realistic images in an unchanging form.” Margaret Neher
Mostly Glass represented Neher at SOFA Chicago [/private_archives]
Neher’s Fruits WERE beautiful at the SOFA show, such talent! Paul Stankard exhibited his amazing paperweights, and it was the first time that I had seen them “in person.” Also amazing detail in his flowers, insects, little pieces of moss, etc. Hard to believe he would be envious of anyone elses talent, although I’m sure he is appreciative.
There was a collection of glass galleries at the show, and it took a couple of hours just to get through that area, the craft was simply stunning; so many talented people, it is hard to imagine the skill of some of these folks.
The winner for me though, was Steffen Dam, whose “fictive biology” panels left me speechless. IT was hard to believe that they were not real specimens, the detail and color were astounding. Perhaps you could feature Mr. Dam one day, for those who have never seen his work?
Thanks, Susan, for working hard on DAM.
@Al
I know! Steffan Dam’s work is amazing.
I met Steffan at last year’s Sofa, NY- he is very nice too, which is great.
Margaret’s work is beautiful.
Thank you for posting this Susan!
Hello Susan, Margaret’s glass fruit and flowers are sweet, they made me happy to experience, thanks for sharing with your post.
Margaret’s work is amazing. Her NICHE finalist piece this year has such incredible attention to detail. When you look at her work, there is no doubt that she should be both a finalist and winner so often.
Seeing this work, I couldn’t help but remind glass lovers of my dear friend Audrey Handler’s work. Among other subject matter, she too, explored (and still explores) the fruit and vegetable as model in blown glass. Audrey is one of the pioneers of the American Art glass movement, having been a student of Harvey Littleton’s in the 1970′s at UW Madison where we met. Check her work out: http://webpages.charter.net/audreyhandlerglass/