Daily Art Muse - Contemporary fine craft curated by Susan Lomuto » Glass

jenny ford: textile sculptor

Susan Lomuto — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:29:18 +0000

With an interest in costume detail from Medevial and Elizabethian times, sculptor Jenny Ford often uses those details as a starting point for her sculptures. The ‘elongated point of a poulaine’ or a ‘precisely pleated ruff’ become beginnings for the organic, abstract forms she creates using hand-dyed silk velvet, organza and found objects.

Spires
hand dyed metallic organza, cable ties, threads, velvet

Twist
hand dyed silk/viscose velvet & metallic organza, silk dupion, linen loom cord, electrical cable, copper pipe, threads, sprung wire

Yellow Pod
hand dyed silk/viscose velvet, & metallic organza, electrical cable, silk dupion, threads

Orange Form
hand dyed silk/viscose velvet & metallic organza, silk dupion, linen loom cord, threads

Trilogy in Blue
hand dyed silk/viscose velvet & metallic organza, linen loom cord, threads, electrical cable

luke jerram: glass microbiology

Susan Lomuto — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:23:35 +0000

I picked up a virus while at the Synergy conference, so I’m laying low and studying Luke Jerram’s glass sculptures of deadly viruses which explore the “tension between the artworks’ beauty, what they represent and their impact on humanity.”

E.coli, blown glass

E.coli detail

The transparent glass sculptures “were created to contemplate the global impact of each disease and to consider how the artificial colouring of scientific imagery affects our understanding of phenomena.” Jerram, a conceptual artist, consults and collaborates with scientists, engineers and artists to actualize each idea.

Jerram and the sculptures

Smallpox, blown glass

He worked with virologists from the University of Bristol as he developed the idea for the sculptures, which are one million times larger than the actual virus, and collaborated with glassblowers Kim George, Brian Jones and Norman Veitch, who pushed the boundaries of glassblowing to create the delicate specimens.

Swine Flu, detail

The series is a reflection of my interest in how images of phenomena are represented and presented to the public. I’m colour blind and this has given me a natural interest in exploring the edges of perception. Often images of viruses are taken in black and white on an electron microscope and then they are coloured artificially using Photoshop. Sometimes that will be for scientific purposes but other times it will be just to add emotional content or to make the image more attractive.

How many people believe viruses are brightly coloured? Are there any colour conventions and what kind of ‘presence’ do pseudocoloured images have that ‘naturally’ coloured specimens don’t? How does the choice of different colours affect their reception?

Read an interview with the artist here.

You can watch a viral sculpture being blown in the video below, and listen to Jerram talk about how they are made and why bringing the idea forward was important to him in this BBC clip.

emmy-gai-palmer’s glass and crocheted wire sculptures capture time and memory

Susan Lomuto — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:57:31 +0000

I arrived home late last night and need some time to gather my thoughts. While I regroup, take a moment to look at these blown glass sculptures from England’s Emmy Gai Palmer. Metal inclusions in the glass draw you in and ignite your curiosity. The ‘Del Mar’ series was inspired by “translucent hues of seaweed caught up in waves and light through the sea.” Palmer, who encases layers of knitted and crocheted wire elements in the blown glass, goes on to explain that the “light projects through these pieces, creating wave like shadows.”

Large Del Mar, two layers of knitted wire encased in blown glass, 8″ x7″

“To produce the mesh inclusions I utilize hand Crochet and knitting techniques that were passed on through the women in my family from generation to generation. The textile element is integral to my work, the glass and knitted wire work together in harmony, complimenting and emphasizing each other’s qualities.”

Small Apricot Del Mar, knitted wire encased in blown glass, 3 1/2″ x3″

Layers of knitted wire encased in blown glass, detail

Del Mar on the Beach

Upright Del Mar, knitted wire encased in blown glass, 6″ x7″

“In crochet the repeated stitches and individual actions that go towards the making of the object are visible in the finished piece; I see this as symbolic of how in life small actions can build up in to something larger. I try to capture these ‘small actions’ within my glass forms. Essentially my work is about human emotion; the need to capture time and memory.” Emmy Gai Palmer

kathleen elliot’s glass botanicals

Susan Lomuto — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:02:34 +0000

I’m on my way to Synergy2 today – should get to Baltimore by late afternoon and I’m hoping the weather is a little kinder in Maryland. The snow continues to fall under gray skies here in New York, leaving tree branches in the Hudson Valley bent in impossible positions under the weight of the heavy precipitation. So gray, so gray.

Blue Crouching Vine With Apricot Feet, 15″ x 13″ x 12″

Kathleen Elliot’s botanical sculptures lift me up from my winter doldrums and remind me that spring will be here soon enough. The Hans Godo Frabel Award winner’s realistic and imaginary glass buds and pods are spectacular. They all look real to me – an indication that my imagination runs along the same course as Elliot’s? Or that I need a few days away to remember what is real?

Black Plums, 8″ x 4″ x 3″, glass, flameworked and sandblasted

I Wonder Where Castaneda Landed, Tallest: 15″ x 4″ x 4″

Rust Lantern Pods with Brown Leaves, 15″ x 5″ x 7″, glass, flameworked and sandblasted

Sun Pods, 14 x 12 x 5 glass, flameworked and sandblasted
{to see a detail close-up of the Sun Pods, click on the image}

Art returns us to a mood of wonder and appreciation, helps us stay centered in the face of our culture. Its beauty, strength and clarity can be inspiration for us in our own lives. Art reminds us of human virtues and the wonders of Nature. Its richness and depth can inspire us to rise above the mediocrity of drifting in the cultural norm. Kathleen Elliot

I’ll be checking in from the conference and hope to keep up with my posts from there. If you are interested in what is happening at Synergy, you might also want to check Polymer Clay Daily and Crafthaus, where Cynthia Tinapple, the queen of all polymer clay blogs will be blogging in real time from the conference floor!

keke cribbs’ magical world of narrative glass mosaics

Susan Lomuto — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:52:56 +0000

Keke Cribbs creates sculptural mosaics that take us on a journey into the magical imagination of this self-taught artist – a fantastical world where the landscape is colorful, the characters exciting, the narrative riveting. Cribbs has a portfolio brimming with three dimensional glass mosaics that ultimately become a canvas for her brilliant narrative paintings and drawings.

La Ciccolina, 15″ x 11″ x 6″
reverse fired enamels on glass mosaics, wood shoe last, wood

Little Graziana ,32″ x 28″ x 1.5″
reverse fired enamels on glass mosaics, wood frame

Bingo, 26.5″ x 9″ x 7″
stoneware, glaze, china paints, gold luster, reverse fired enamels on window glass and stained glass mosaics

Eugenie, 20″ x 20″ x 2″
reverse fired enamels on window glass, Alkyd paints, gold leaf

Read an interview with the artist on Glass Quarterly, where Cribbs explains how she developed Raggedy Man Down Under and other recent characters. You can view more images of her work here.

I first became aware of Cribbs’ work through Facebook and have corresponded with her from time to time over the last year, hoping that her website would be complete so that I could write about this amazing body of work. The good news is that her art continues to be very much in demand and she is busy creating commissions and gallery work. The bad news is that she doesn’t have the time right now to think about a website. Look for a Facebook Fan Page from her in the near future – an easier option that won’t replace a well-designed website, but it is a good way to let fans, collectors and others see her latest work, best work, links that motivate and inspire her. Keke already shares wonderful links with friends – it will be a real treat for her fans to connect with the talented artist’s inspiration.

More to come from me soon about Facebook Fan Pages. For now, enjoy another image from Keke Cribbs’ portfolio.

Mardi Gras, 28″ x 11″ x 5.5″
reverse fired enamels on glass mosaics, fiberglass boat form, gold leaf, copper, steel

jeina morosoff: blown and sandblasted glass forms

Susan Lomuto — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:20:20 +0000

I look at hundreds of images of art on the internet every day as I search for artists to share with you. When I find an image that speaks to me – powerful, beautiful, an interesting glimpse of the artist’s talent and skill – I begin my research. If the artist does not have a website or an online presence usually I move on to the next artist – often sorely disappointed.

Submerged Hybrid Series, blown glass, carved with sandblaster, metal pigment

My research uncovered no website, little information and only a few images (none current) of Jeina Morosoff’s blown and sandblasted glass and iron sculptures, but the art is compelling so I decided to feature the work and ask if anyone knows of Morosoff and where we can see more of these sculptures? {click on the images to visit Numen Gallery and Hot Studio Glass}

Submerged Hybrids

Submerged Forms

“The sculptures speak of the natural world, while not referencing any one thing in particular. I want the works to look like they could possibly exist (somewhere). People have described my work as looking like sea creatures, amoebic, or alien. When looking at my works, people also often question what it is they are seeing. Is it metal or glass? Is real or imagined? I find this sense of mystery very satisfying.” Jeina Morosoff

Next week I will share another artist who I have been watching for more than a year – she doesn’t have a website either but I might have a tip that can help. Then I will head to Synergy2 and post from Baltimore. If you are looking for more art related links be sure to join the Daily Art Muse Facebook fan page where I post additional links most days. Enjoy your weekend!

alex gabriel bernstein explores glass

Susan Lomuto — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:28:01 +0000

These bold cast glass, cut glass and steel sculptures look like glacial shards or crystal formations that have burst through their metal foundations. While North Carolina artist Alex Gabriel Bernstein grew up in the middle of the studio glass movement (his parents are glass artists Katherine and William Bernstein) he initially chose a career working with children in a psychiatric hospital after graduating from college.

Splintered Block, cast, cut lead glass, fused steel

Stance, cast, cut lead glass, fused steel

Compression, cast, cut lead glass, fused steel

Eventually Bernstein found his way back to the glass world, studying under Czech artist František Janák, and obtaining an M.F.A. in glass sculpture from the School for American Crafts at Rochester Institute of Technology. His website showcases an extensive portfolio – each luminous sculpture more exciting than the last.

Flesh Bridge, cast, cut lead glass, fused steel

Detail, glass

An explorer at heart, Bernstein describes his work in an artist statement found at Patrajdas Contemporary Art:

“I feel as if I am an explorer. With each piece I make I prepare for a journey, I have a general idea where I want to go, but I never know where the path will lead me. Each piece I work on I set out in the hopes of discovering something new and exciting. As any explorer my journeys are filed with ups and downs, disappointments and breakthroughs, however with each piece I am sure to gain knowledge and insight which is the excitement that brings me to my studio every day.” Alex Bernstein

pflipsen olivova studio: sculpture meets jewelry

Susan Lomuto — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:42:27 +0000

Husband and wife team Katia Olivova and Steve Pflipsen have only been collaborating in art and life for a few years, but their work is already strong and boldly executed. Olivova, born and raised in the Czech Republic, comes from a family of successful glass artists. After studying at the secondary school of glass making in Kamenicky Senov, she apprenticed for both her mother, jewelry artist Marie Olivova and her father, renowned Czech glass artist Ladislav Oliva.

Red Coral Necklace, metal, coral

Olivova’s technique of using solder to fill the negative spaces between the wires on hand-wrought wire frames allows her to create her pieces directly on glass, stone, bone and a variety of other materials. I particularly like the sculptural quality of the necklaces in the collection – and the droplet sculptures are stunning (see picture below – for more sculpture images go to the sculpture section of their website). Be sure to check out their Etsy shop.

River Drop, wall sculpture, glass, metal

Opal Glass Bloom

Marble and Pearl Neckalce

Pflipsen, who grew up in Minnesota, holds a BFA in glass from the University of Wisconsin. In 2003 he met his future wife when he spent six months in the Czech Republic studying Bohemian glass techniques. Today he blows the glass for their sculptures and jewelry.

Garnet Front Hook Necklace

Moonstone Spiral Necklace

Pearl Rosette Pin

Pflipsen and Olivova have an Etsy shop

david bennett’s glass sculptures: liquid motion

Susan Lomuto — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:27:00 +0000

Trapeze artists appear to be flying through the air, horses galloping across open fields, and gymnasts look as if they are performing impossible twists and turns. David Bennett’s glass and bronze figures capture both the shimmering, liquid qualities of the glass and the motion of his subjects.

Tumbler in Amethyst

Welding bronze rods to create cages for his figures, Bennett blows hot glass into the metal molds, later embedding LED lights into the sculptures to enhance the luminosity of the glass. Read more about the artist’s process here.

Dancing Stallions, blown glass and bronze, 39″ x 37″ x 16″

Red and Turquoise

Bennett gives new meaning to the idea of reinventing yourself, and hope to anyone who thinks it is ‘too late’ to begin again. Almost twenty years ago the former Army-Captain-turned-lawyer was on vacation celebrating his 50th birthday when he met a glassblower who spoke to the litigator about his life – that conversation made Bennett question his own path and he set out to chart another course. Read this beautifully written excerpt from the 2007 American Style magazine article about the artist.

Brown Galloper, blown glass and bronze, 22″ x 36″ x 14″

Hoops Lady

David Bennett with one of his sculptures

“Artisans have been blowing glass into metal forms for two thousand years. We are pushing the technique. We can make complex forms in glass and bronze that we could not do in either medium alone. As we’ve stretched the technical processes of blowing glass into metal, I’ve had more and more artistic freedom. Our figures can be lighter and wilder in their motions, and we’ve become able to manipulate the glass around its armatures in increasingly playful ways.” David Bennett

See an out-of-this-world Bennett chandelier here (click on the images to view them larger).

demetra theofanous captures the essence of spring

Susan Lomuto — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:13:36 +0000

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.

joanna manousis: glass artist to watch

Susan Lomuto — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:34:33 +0000

UK artist Joanna Manousis is quickly making a name for herself in the glass world. In addition to showcasing her painting skills and witty sense of humor, her work has been described as “technically brilliant.” I was initially drawn to Manousis’ spoof of iconic imagery of the 1950’s housewife – specifically the cleaning spray bottles – but the fragile beauty of her installation, Lace, made me look twice (see images below).

Self Contained Sprays, blown, kiln cast, glass, hand painted enamels
18″ x 5.5″ x 5.5″ and 15″ x 4.75″ x 4.75″

Self Contained Spray I, blown, kiln cast, glass, hand painted enamels
15″ x 4.75″ x 4.75″

Joanna Manousis at work

The artist, who created a canopy of glass lace by fusing Venetian cane, earned a Pearson Glass Award, Best Newcomer, for the installation (student category, 2007). 24 year old Manousis graduated with an honors degree in glass at Wolverhampton University and is currently working on a Masters degree at Alfred University in upstate New York. Manousis is one to watch.

Lace, fused glass Murrine

Lace, detail

gesine hackenberg: table talk

Susan Lomuto — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:24:19 +0000

Over the weekend I started setting up our new kitchen, unpacking cooking and eating essentials along with special pieces that have sentimental value, like my grandmother’s carnival glass fruit bowl.

{I’ll post pictures of the kitchen when it is finished, but you can see up-to-date pictures of the remodel progress on my Facebook page}

Red Wine/White Wine Rummer Brooch, Finnish table glass, silver, steel needle

The kitchen is often the heart of a home, and most of us have powerful memories that include a dish, pitcher or bowl that held center court in the kitchens of our childhood. My grandmother’s iridescent orange bowl always makes me smile, bringing back memories that span three generations each time I use it.

Grip Brooch, earthenware, silver

Gesine Hackenberg creates jewelry with a focus on the themes of household, kitchen, table and food culture. In the Still Life Collection, Hackenberg takes glass from tableware and turns it into brooches with silhouette shapes of drinking glasses and bowls. The simple shapes and beautiful pairing of colors make for bold statement pieces to wear, but I also like the idea of a grouping of these framed for the wall.

Hackenberg’s earlier work included simple shapes punched from antique ceramics. Wonder if she takes custom orders? The photography is brilliant – really helps to put the work in perspective when you look at it next to the plate or bowl that it came from. Enjoy the images – I have to get back to my unpacking.

Red Ring, earthenware, silver

“I’m fascinated by the aspect of personal preciousness revealed in all kinds of belongings. Especially in objects that seem to find a place close and near to the body. I explore how these pieces can relate to the body and examine this relationship through its connection.” Gesine Hackenberg

Big Makkum Kitchen Necklace, earthenware, thread

Glass Bowls, brooches, finnish table glass, silver, palladium needle

guan donghai: opening the gates

Susan Lomuto — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:44:19 +0000

China’s Guan Donghai creates cast glass sculptures that capture his interpretation of the gate form as a symbol of power, not welcome. The artist, who immersed himself in weaving and watercolor painting before he found glass, has exhibited worldwide, but as far as I can tell, not in the United States.

City Gates Series, Cast Glass

The sculptures have been described as having a primal feel similar to the work of William Morris, but representing decidedly Chinese objects and history.

City Gate Series

Donghai earned a Masters in Art from the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University and in 2000 was tapped to become the director of the newly established glass art studio at the school. This program was the first glass art program in a Chinese university – an ambitious and successful undertaking. Indeed, he is helping to open the gates of opportunity for many artists in his country.

City Gate Series No.1, Sand Cast Glass

City Gate Series No.7, Kiln Cast Glass

From the form we are given the information that it was not built for welcome people to get in, but show the power for defend, show the dignity that cannot offend. I don’t know when it became a symbol that represents an area. We use ‘into the gate’ or ‘cross the threshold’ to describe people starting a new area study or using ‘attack the gate’ to describe tackle key problems. We use the term ‘country gate’ to describe a country ‘Gateway Opens’ or ‘Live In Seclusion’. Behind a gate always hides the mysterious that made people to guess, to imagine ‘What is inside?’ Is treasure or monster?

Seven Swords, Kiln Cast Glass

To see Donghai’s Weapons Series, click on the image of the Seven Swords above and scroll down the page.

Read more about China’s new wave of contemporary glass art here.

keeping me calm: the glass percussion project

Susan Lomuto — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:05:33 +0000

I’m a little overwhelmed today. We still have contractors in the house, still don’t have all of our things over here, still have much to do to get organized and back to a daily rhythm. While I gather my thoughts and see what’s happening with the kitchen floor installation, please take a look at (and listen to) this ambitious collaboration between glass artist Elaine Miles and composer Eugene Ughetti.

The project “merges glass installation with live performance and sound installation in exploration of a common language. The experience is a meditative interplay between sight, sound, light and movement.”

Just the soothing break I need today. More about the Glass Percussion Project on their website and in this article from Resonate magazine. Hope you have a calm, soothing weekend.

joyce roessler: glass jewels

Susan Lomuto — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:11:45 +0000

Joyce Roessler began working with glass as an art school student. Today, more than 30 years later, the artist is still excited by the material’s possibilities. Roessler enhances the glass jewels with her own fabricated metal work and she has successfully used the metal as subtle framing for the glass – no competition here – Roessler’s glass is the star of this show.

Cupped Ring

Black Frosted Tassle Necklace

Black Orbs Brooch

Roessler has focused on making blown glass beads and glass jewelry since 1992. Describing the process she explains that “the beads are made by drawing a gather of hot glass across the studio, sometimes more than 30 feet long. This is very intense work and usually involves at least two people. The resulting glass tubes are then annealed to reduce stress and finally cut into slices of varying thickness with a diamond saw. A lapidary process, which takes up to two weeks, gives the beads their final shape and finish; either a matte, frosted surface, or a shiny gloss.”

Orange Frost Twisted Necklace

Blue Frost Twisted Necklace

I continue to push color use. I am always striving to find new colors by using glass overlays. This might mean taking an opal lilac and overlaying a transparent peach color glass to get an end result that is more interesting and unique. Becoming more technically proficient allows more creative freedom.

Joyce Roessler – from an interview with For The Love of Jewels

You can see more of Roessler’s work at Morgan Glass Gallery