VetroBottles

OVERVIEW (SLIDE SHOW)

HIGH RESOLUTION

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

Late 2008, I began working on a series of pieces that would utilize the properties that are found solely in glass. It was important for me to express the freeform and organic nature of the properties of glass while maintaining other characteristics of the medium. The pieces are very fluid, fragile and delicate, yet structurally sound and transparent.

When I began working on the “Vetrobottles” I first tried using tools to shape the pieces. However, after making a handful of prototypes I quickly realized that if I could get the glass hot enough and thin enough, I could achieve the same affect using only heat and gravity. I found that the shapes appeared more organic when I embraced and worked with the forces of nature instead of trying to work against them.

I have developed these pieces, which were originally only solid transparent colors into more complex color patterns using canes and murrini. This progression has allowed me to stretch as an artist. Not only am I working on a complex form, but I have also begun to incorporate complex color and pattern techniques including reticello, one of the most intricate patterns in blown glass. I like the idea of taking this traditional pattern technique and using it in a new and innovative way.