the glass i

Jennifer McCurdy - Ceramic Artist

2011-01-28T20:14:00.000-08:00

Ceramic artist Jennifer McCurdy lives on the island of Martha's Vineyard. She has been working with porcelain for over twenty five years. For the last few years, she has been working with structural questions. How thin can the high fire porcelain be before it collapses in the fire? How much can it be cut away and still maintain structural integrity? How can the structural form be integrated with the visual, as in nature? How can the movement of the potter's wheel and the fire of the kiln be reflected in the finished piece, which is rock-hard and permanent?

These pieces feel effortlessly light and airy. It appears as if the experiments are creating a stunning result.

Lynn Latimer - Glass Artist

2011-01-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

“I’m very interested in line quality and detail, how the glass moves, and how to draw with these elements in the design process,” says Lynn Latimer. Several of the glass colors “strike” when heated, yielding a delicate fine brown contrasting line where pieces touch. “It lends another subtle bit of definition that I really like and work with in most pieces.” When this level of detail is achieved there is an intimacy, an invitation to study the glass up close, to follow where edges strike, bend, press into one another and shift colors. “If I’ve done my job right the glass draws you in and offers a deeply satisfying visceral experience: it’s enlivening.”

From a long process of spontaneous and experimental fusing tests, delicious “aha” moments are extracted, studied, expanded upon, and put to work, yielding a diverse, richly colored and patterned series of contemporary freestanding glass panels.

Richard Parrish - Glass Artist/Architect

2011-01-28T10:20:00.001-08:00

As an artist and an architect, I find inspiration in both the human-made environment and in the vast landscape of the American west where I grew up. I am fascinated by the juxtaposition of the constructed and natural environments, which I often explore in my work. I find that it is critical to my existence to make things with my hands, using real materials. I focus on the integration of meaning, design and technique in my glasswork and in the classes that I teach. I am particularly interested in the interaction of light and color in the environment and in my own work.
-Richard Parrish

Thelermont Hupton - Designers

2011-01-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

Thelermont Hupton’s products and furniture have become recognisable through their willingness to reflect social conventions and peculiarities, and their strong visual identity and sometimes surprising functionality. The products are ingrained with the mark of well considered, bold and inevitably lively design.
Both Thelermont and Hupton arrived in the design world via the route of cabinet making and furniture design. They continue to celebrate this medium and build upon their catalogue of projects and products within this field. The emphasis of the furniture design process remains firmly on creating and maintaining a strong visual presence while accommodating the essentials of comfort and functionality demanded by both the domestic and contract market.
At the same time, they have discovered that product design provides a route through which to convey and express their visual commentary in objects. This satisfies their urge to reflect influences that do not initially appear to have their roots founded in design with thoughtful, challenging and useful pieces that are capable of winning acclaim and sales within the critical and serious retail marketplace. Their products are now stocked worldwide.
(text taken from www.thelermonthupton.com)

* Sneak Preview *

2010-06-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

These three pieces, originally thought of in terms of hanging on a wall, came alive once I set them in stands meant for pedestals. It just goes to show how often the glass surprises me even after I have an idea what it's all about.

A touch of "dichroic glass" gives these otherwise subtle pieces real kick. Light hits the dichro and simply dances within the glass. It kinda has to be seen to be believed.

These pieces (plus 97 more) will be a part of my solo exhibition, GLASS: Contemporary Fusion. For more details, please read the previous post.

100 Pieces of Glass - Oh my!

2010-05-18T22:49:00.000-07:00

I'm prepping my first Solo Exhibition that will take place during the month of July. It's at the Burbank Creative Arts Center with an opening reception on July 9th from 7-9pm. This is an image of my promotional mailer that's just back from the printer.

I'm providing 100 pieces of Glass Art. 65 wall-hanging pieces and 35 free-standing pieces. Mostly fused pieces, but a few throwback stained glass windows and mosaics. If you're at all interested in attending the reception, let me know.

Tastes of my latest pieces

2010-04-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

This is a sampling of some of the works I've been producing lately. I've been extremely busy prepping for a solo exhibition of my Glass Art. I've been asked to present 100 pieces of Glass. From July 9th until the 29th, my artwork glass will represent Burbank Creative Arts Center's first delving into the Glass World. Needless to say, I'm thrilled.

My stock had about 60 pieces and after culling through them, I've set a few aside as "Retired." I've been making tons of new pieces, ones I'm pretty thrilled with. With that being said, with a few months to go, I've got about 70 I'm happy with. 30 to go!

Deciding how to hang each piece has been a challenge to say the least. Glass, in its very essence, is heavy, fragile, delicate. Deciding how each piece is going to hang individually from the one next to it is almost as big a challenge as physically producing the pieces.

The next few months are going to be amazing!

The Gray Hotel - Milan's latest modern Inn

2010-04-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

Stairway to Heavenly Design

The Gray Hotel, in the shadows of Milan's Duomo, is a forward-looking space in a city steeped in history. Interior Designer Guido Ciompi's mantra, "culture revolves around modernity", welcomes one to an oasis of contemporary design amongst the buildings and monuments of one of Italy's most stylish and aesthetic-conscious cities.

The hotel, rich in color bursts here and there, is on the forefront of a newer type of boutique hotel that seem to be popping up everywhere. While the stately establishments around the world are able to charge an arm and a leg due to their reputations, the smaller hotels, like the Gray Hotel, are able to afford the visually-aware traveller with an experience that is artistic, comfortable and a bit easier on the wallet.

Susan Clusener - Ceramic Artist

2010-04-03T09:38:00.000-07:00

"My hands are convenient and frequent objects of interest. My fingers alone have so much going on below the surface: blood pumping, nerves sensing, muscles contracting. All of this movement, activity – life – happening unconsciously and for decades. Sometimes this unconscious becomes conscious. I become aware of all the goings-on under my skin, aware of my livingness. It is both exciting and frightening, this awareness of my vitality and its intrinsic finiteness." I like that. Seems like those words could have been spoken by sculptors, musicians, surgeons or just about anyone else that uses their own hands as another tool towards the desired end-result.

For Susan, It's not all about fruit. Her pear pieces, however, hold a certain appeal to me. Her "Stone" series, also thought-provoking and unique are certain to sooth eyes as well.

For more works by California-based Susan, visit her website; www.susanclusener.com

Neil Dawson - Creator of "Double-takes"

2010-03-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

"Horizon", the steel sculpture from New Zealand's Neil Dawson, looks as if it's either an optical illusion, hallucination or comic book page come to life. Sitting on sculpture connoisseur Alan Gibbs' property, this imposing piece of art is nearly 50 feet tall and over 115 feet long!

Imagining what it took to fabricate and install this provocative installation boggles the mind.

Winter - 2010

2010-03-12T23:17:00.000-08:00

This is my very latest. This snowy landscape is the first in a series of "The Seasons".

The tree image was adhered to the glass via a decal transfer. A ceramic decal, one that could withstand the enormous temperatures of the kiln, was originally burned onto a single, clear piece of glass. The glass was placed atop a stack of white & sky blue glass that created the horizon line. White frit (crushed glass) was set on top of the tree decal, as if the branches received a blanket of snow.

I was originally going to go all artsy-fartsy on it, thinking in terms of red frit flying all over the place. Didn't look right. I removed all the frit. My wife looks at it and says, "Use white." Classic.

AK47 Space - Industrial Design

2010-02-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

Italy based AK47 Space brings new meaning to the term "It's gettin' hot in here" with their distinctive firewood holders. Each design brings a sex-appeal and style to the usual humdrum bucket. Spanning vertical space or disguised as the modern house's furniture, the holders bring the outside inside and remind one of the visual treat that only nature can deliver.

LA Omni Hotel - Noe Restaurant, Interior

2010-02-08T15:08:00.000-08:00

I've just finished up my installation on this project, adding a Decorative Glass element to the interior of Noe Restaurant at the Los Angeles Omni Hotel. There are two Fused Glass panels suspended by ceiling-mounted brackets within two empty alcoves. Alongside the walls of the alcoves are shelf brackets that hold onto glass shelves containing the chef's herb garden pots.

The panels, 26" x 48" and 16" x 48", were created at the studio of my friend Cristy Lyon's Pomegranate Glass. Her kiln interior, measuring 30" x 60" was perfect for these two panels. Burning for more that 24 hours per panel, these windows took almost twice the time I'm used to for my smaller pieces.

The color scheme was determined by one factor, it was to match the glass wall that sits just outside the restaurant on the patio. A simple reversal of the two colors gave this installation its own feel while maintaining a continuity with the rest of the restaurant. A previous blog posting of the outdoor wall of glass can be seen on November 11th, 2009

Sissi Westerberg - Designer

2010-02-06T19:05:00.000-08:00

Silver and Plastic Brooch, 2002
Silver Candlestick

Originally a Jewelry designer by education, Sissi Westerberg's interest in body-adornment has gradually shifted to an interest in the body itself. Most of her projects revolve around the idea of intimacy and belongingness, trying to create a sense of connection between our selves and the surrounding world, often using body-like shapes and materials in connection to well known everyday objects. Westerberg also has a great interest in developing alternative and more organic design-strategies, involving other people in the creative process. This among other things has resulted in a “Do It Yourself-kit” for the design store Svenskt Tenn in Stockholm and a number of collaborative projects with the art/craft/design-collective S U B.

Leo, Leo Beautiful

2010-02-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

While learning about my new camera, I snapped these photos of my son, Leo.

My camera, a Nikon D90, seems to have all kinds of magic inside that little black machine.

I hope these shots are an indication of other simple, yet thought-provoking photographs to come. My eye, geared towards all things well-designed, is anxious to start looking at more things with "depth of field", contrast and composition all in mind.

My take on Coral

2010-01-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

I learned a "technique" during my ongoing glass making education that makes my glass pieces look like coral. I like coral. I like that it is a completely organically shaped part of our earth. I like that each piece is predominantly one color, yet coral from around the world comes in countless colors. I like that it's mysterious, unique and interesting. ...and beautiful.

This piece uses a few different materials. There's the regular clear glass that acts as the structured backbone. Then, there's white crushed glass, frit, covering the clear glass. Clear frit was poured on the whole piece afterwards. Finally, a red powered glass is the final step that gives the piece the impression of the coral.

Still curious about the "technique" that gives this piece that coral look? Sorry. Like a magician, I can't reveal my secrets.

Javier Senosiaian - Organic Habitat Architect

2010-01-01T11:14:00.000-08:00

Mix equal parts Wonka's Chocolate Factory, "Lord of the Rings" shires, Gaudi's visions, Dali's flair for the fantastical and you get close to Mexico's Javier Senosiaian's Nautilus House. The Nautilus House is a ferro-concrete construction coated with polyurethane and UV-resistant elastomeric waterproofing. Inside it comprises a complex labyrinth of rooms and interconnecting tunnels.

Virtually no right angles are in this house - such an uncommon feat that it makes your head spin. The wonder doesn't stop at this house, however. Senosiaian's entire portfolio is comprised of uber-colorful structures, organically shaped homes, voluptuously curved exterior landscapes and interiors that create the womb-like sensation of being safe & comfortable.

Please take a long visit to the website, www.arquitecturaorganica.com for more inspiration.

Arline Fisch - Wire Sculptor

2009-12-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

After looking at Arline Fisch's sculptures, you won't know if what you're looking at is coral-inspired, sea anenome-inspired or jellyfish-inspired. It's probably all three. With a last name like Fisch, it's not surprising that Arline's pieces take their cue from the sea.

Jewelry, wall art and sculpture are all in the range of this artist who solely uses colored wire to create her vibrantly hued art. She clearly brings new meaning to the term "underwater basket weaver".

Long Platter

2009-12-13T15:34:00.001-08:00

Fused & Slumped, this platter, about 2' long, pleasantly surprised me. I especially like the edges, which are not perfectly flat, but have a bit of a true craft feel to them. The edges give the platter genuine character. I've found that the edges of my pieces are oftentimes my favorite parts of the pieces. They're always unplanned and exciting to see for the first time upon opening my kiln door.

This platter continues my main design esthetic; simple, modern, abstract and ultimately "contemporary".

Jen Stark - Paper Artist

2009-12-03T22:33:00.000-08:00

Jen Stark has an amazing eye for color. Her artwork, comprised of reams of colored paper, has a 3-dimensionality to it that makes the viewer want to touch the designs. She takes the paper and meticulously cuts the sheets until they resemble "rainbow explosions" that reach off the wall or pedestal they're displayed upon.

It was a trip to France without her usual art supplies that originally inspired Jen to improvise with her creative juices flowing. She purchased a pad of colored paper and began experimenting. She never looked back. Her work has been seen internationally and there's a palpable sensation that she is on the cusp of something gigantic.

Her website, www.jenstark.com is chock full of inspiration.

Markku Salo, Artist & Designer

2009-11-25T20:26:00.001-08:00

Finland's own Markku Salo isn't only a glass artist but also a design visionary. One of his many public art installations is the amazing "Tuulipussi (Wind Sock)", installed in 1994 in Helsinki's Malmi House. At 39 feet long, it uses blown glass, diamond sawed, painted and installed in the metal framework.

Salo began his career as a products and graphics designer. From there, his own company opened to fabricate tableware. He graduated to larger-scale installations and from there, the sky's the limit.

An interesting technique that Salo utilizes is his use of metal mesh and wire. He had glass blown into pre-formed cages which left a permanent mesh imprint on the glass. This trademarked idea continues to be a common motif in his work.

He also likes dogs.

The 50's strike again!

2009-11-24T22:43:00.000-08:00

This piece of art glass, fabricated about 3 years ago, is now residing in a private residence.

I'm always seeking out inspiration from my usual repetoire... design books, magazines from the 50's & 60's, films, etc. When all those images get whirled together in the blender in my brain, this is what comes out.

I learned to cut holes in the original oval pieces of reddish glass then took the pieces to a ring saw that was able to cut out the larger areas of glass in the center. Once I had created several oval "O's", I placed them all down on a white sheet of glass and full fused the whole thing together. I was very pleased with the results; a googie-like slice of time traveling heaven.

Jaw-dropping, hyperrealistic Sculptures

2009-11-21T10:33:00.000-08:00

Ron Mueck, Jamie Salmon and Sam Jinks are sculptors. What an understatement! That's like saying Frank Lloyd Wright built homes.

Ron Mueck has been at the top of his field since he devoted himself to sculpting fine, photorealistic pieces in 1996. He began his career designing visual effects for the film Labyrinth but found his true calling using simple tools and his hands to create some of the most brilliantly realized sculptures since "David". Michelangelo often comes to mind when exploring Mueck's work; both men incorporate the technique of subtly distorting the proportions of their subjects for their desired final product.

Jamie Salmon uses real Human hair in his sculptures. These pieces are so detailed oriented, it could sometimes take months for each piece to be finished.

Australian sculptor Sam Jinks uses silicone in his hyperrealistic sculptures. He cut his teeth in the film industry before he devoted himself to his art full-time since 2004. His pieces, a bit odd & thought-provoking are designed with such loving care that each subject's expression is as honest and... well, Real.

See more at http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/11/mind-blowing-hyperrealistic-sculptures/

Ron Arad, Industrial Designer

2009-11-17T20:11:00.000-08:00

The top photo, taken as an abstract image of Arad's Design Museum in Holon, Isreal is a Guggenheim influenced building made up of two separate structures wrapped together by layered steel bands. This project was Ron Arad's first free-standing structure.

This bookcase in the other photo, entitled, "Oh, the Farmer and the Cowman Should Be Friends", is on display as part of Arad's design and architecture retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Each section was created using stainless and corten steel and is in the shape of a continental state. Measuring 12' x 18', there is plenty of space to house your books, momentos, artifacts or other treasured objects in a totally stylish yet practical setting.

Jeremy Lepisto, Glass Artist

2009-11-12T20:34:00.000-08:00

Jeremy Lepisto uses images, often in silouette, that convey images from a real and genuine environment. You see buildings, construction cranes, power lines and street lights just to name a few. You can virtually hear the car horns in the imaginary worlds he creates.

His different series', mostly using muted, transparent background hues, set the tone for a thought-provoking experience.

Check out his technique for various types of fused glass art. It's totally impressive that he makes complex pieces of art look incredibly easy to fabricate by his great photos. http://www.jeremylepisto.com/processstudio.html

He has served on the Board of Directors for the Glass Art Society since 2005.

Chicago's Omni Hotel

2009-11-10T22:02:00.000-08:00

Spanning over 49' and suspended from 5 spots on the ceiling, this sculpture was my first commissioned piece for the Omni Corp.

Outsourcing the welding work that fabricated the "spine", I allowed myself the chance to concentrate on building 40 leaded glass panels for this project. 38 panels were used and 2 were built as back-up. I utilized a system that had me building only four different shapes for the glass panels. This way, I was super-efficient in my studio as I cut out the pieces of glass for the four different shapes at the same time saving my countless hours of redundancy.

Everything was placed inside an 18-wheeled truck and shipped to Chicago from Los Angeles. I flew to Chicago and assembled everything within a week with the help of my uncle, Don Linde.

The Structural Engineering firm that assisted me in this endeavor, Chicago-based Tylk/Gustafson/Reckers/Wilson/Andrews came up with a brilliant concept for attaching the steel "leaves" to the spine. Threaded rod was used as the "stem" of the leaves and they were simply twisted in place, on-site, after the initial steel spine was attached to the ceiling. Holes had been created in the spine every 18" inches so the leaves would have a consistent, uniform look within all the chaos of the shapes & colors. Attaching all the leaves literally took only an hour and a half!

It goes without saying that once this was installed and I was able to see it from Michigan Ave., I was bitten by the large-scale Art Glass Installation bug.

Hofburg statues in Vienna

2009-11-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

Outside the Gates of the Hofburg, in Vienna, Austria, lies this spectacular sculpture.

The Hofburg is a medieval castle once home to the Hapsburg Empire and arguably the most significant secular building in Vienna.

What began as rough stone ended as the sublime. The details show incredible observation of the Human form... and the ability to re-create it using metal tools is baffling yet inspiring.

Photo by Bob Redpath

Los Angeles Omni Hotel

2009-11-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

These photos represent one of my larger-scale installations. Encompassing over 308 square feet of fused glass, this "Bamboo Forest" was built using 110 panels of glass that were installed on-site on the patio of NOE, the fine-dining restaurant at the Los Angeles Omni Hotel.

From the time I first heard about the project until the last glass panel was inserted inside the steel framework, a year and a half had passed. It was an engineering feat that utilized two steel contractors, a cement contractor, a transportation company, City inspectors, permit offices, a structural engineering firm, an 80' crane, street closures, a dedicated hotel staff and many, many nights of continuous glass firings in my kiln.

Wearing many hats afforded me the opportunity to really get my hands dirty and learn worlds more than I originally anticipated. It was a thrilling, gut-wrenching experience that is one of my favorite chapters in my glass-making career.

While downtown, please visit the patio, which is in a pedestrian-safe portion of California Plaza's Water Court at 251 South Olive St, Los Angeles, CA. It's a wonderful, tactile experience to see and feel the glass at any hour of the day or night.

Blue, purple & dichroic orange Bowl

2009-10-31T10:54:00.000-07:00

This bowl, with a 14" diameter measurement and a 4" height is my very latest.

Touches of red/orange "dichroic glass" gives this piece a subtle kick once light touches the surface. I personally prefer to NOT overuse the dichroic glass because it's just too trendy and can I say a touch "gaudy"?

Dichroic glass is glass that has an actual metallic surface on one side. Originally, the metallic surface was used by NASA to combat the enormous heat generated by the Space Shuttle re-entering our atmosphere and the fact that the Art Glass Movement has embraced it is exciting to think that there are scientific/artistic minds at work together. When heat (In my case, from a kiln) warms up the dichroic surface, there are fantastic effects that take place. It's kind of like pixie dust on steroids. There's glittery shine and real depth to pieces incorporating dichroic glass.

Maarten De Ceulaer Design Studio

2009-10-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

These pieces are made in a close collaboration with one of the most renowned leather artisans in Brussels, Ralph Baggaley. The craftsmanship and detailing is simply sublime and calls for instant admiration. These pieces, though colourful and playful, evoke luxurious and sophisticated atmospheres.
The Pile of Suitcases, first piece in the Leather Collection, wanted to be an answer to all its predecessors, wardrobe closets which were enourmeously big, heavy and static. It is a clothing cabinet rich in poetry, which consists of different volumes, each specifically designed for one type of garments, which can easily be dismantled, separately transported or reconfigured if desired.
- www.maartendeseulaer.com

This takes me away to that faraway place.

Throwback

2009-10-26T21:00:00.000-07:00

Another 50's inspired piece?!? "You betch 'em, Red Rider."

This platter, a petit 6" x 11", was fused & slumped inside a glass kiln.

Using an avacado color as the thin green lines and white as the "canvas" for the geometric design, I was able to capture a moment in time with a throwback feel.

It's completely contemporary yet retro-inspired.

Bushman Dreyfus Architects

2009-10-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

Glass, rock, water... the only thing missing is fire.

This masterpiece, east aurora house, located in East Aurora, New Jersey is a genuine spellbinder

Located in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia, Bushman Dreyfus Architects work hand in hand with the client to make sure both parties are satisfied with the end result.

With work ranging from homes to schools to retreat centers to theaters to commercial spaces and beyond, BDA can incorporate contemporary design with current and popular safety and green features to all of their projects.

Irises

2009-10-23T20:17:00.000-07:00

This Stained Glass window was built using the "copper foil" technique.

It hangs in a private residence in the Chicago suburbs and measures roughly 17" x 24".

The window colors took their cue from the newly remodeled kitchen where this piece hangs. A soft palate of sage green was painted on the walls and this piece, with its touches of purple, really kicks.

Bercy Chen Studio

2009-10-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

Taking its cue from sustainable materials, Bercy Chen Studio LP is an architecture & urban planning firm with design/build capabilities based in Austin, Texas.

The work is influenced by various cultures- whether Islamic, Indian, African or pre-columbian, while maintaining respect for the particular contemporary contextual conditions. They know how to make a little color go a long way.

paraphrased from the website, www.bcarc.com

Retro-a-go-go

2009-10-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

This framed, ready-to-hang piece is a throwback to the 50's. I think the design sense of the 50's has never been duplicated with its Wow factor ever since.

I used frit to act as the terrazzo-looking insides of the larger oval shaped pieces. My color selections, again inspired by the "Googie" period, reinforce this piece's attitude. It's about 13" x 18".

Claire Danthois - Furniture Designer

2009-10-19T20:04:00.000-07:00

Claire Danthois, based out of Bristol, England, adds a unique spin on her furniture designs. She uses only reclaimed materials and doesn't use glues or finishes. This gives her pieces a tactile feel and a pure natural look.

While designing specific pieces for specific people with specific measurements, Claire explains, "I take measurements of the different proportions between a client's shoulders, lumbar and base of their spine firstly. Then the curvature is worked out using a giant profile gauge that I made specifically for that purpose."

Talk about settling into a good book.

Field of Poppies

2009-10-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

This piece, 7" x 12", has a dynamic element to it. Encased in glass, lay hundreds of copper wires meticulously placed to resemble a field of poppies.

Time consuming, but totally rewarding in the end.

2009-10-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

Powerhouse-Company

Powerhouse-Company, based out of Copenhagen, Denmark, designed this home, Villa 1.

Built in the woods of Holland, this is such an escapist's dream. The glass used throughout has the feeling of another soul living at the residence. It's visible, yet invisible.

So completely modern, it looks like it's a set from a science fiction film.

Its simple look makes me drool. I'll take two.

The Glass i is born!

2009-10-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

For the latest in decorative Glass ideas, images and examples, you've come to the right place.

Check back often.

Thanks.