I have long been fascinated by glass as a medium for art. Ever since I walked into a fused glass class at the Creative Arts Center of Dallas, I have felt called to create in this way.
During my creative journey, I have had the privilege of studying under fused glass artist and welder Becky Johnson, glass-blower Mark Mitsuda, Glass Master Diego Bottacin of Murano, Italy, and glass-blower Joe Ivacic.
Each one wasn’t only an opportunity to refine my technique, but also to discover something new about my artistic style and voice. What I had to say and could only be told through the medium of glass.
Here is why glass art is such a poignant art form and why everyone should have at least one piece in their modern art collection.
- Self-expression throughout history – Glass has been used and admired as a creative medium for centuries. We have uncovered glass beads dating back to Ancient Egypt. I love this connection to the past. It’s such a reflection of the human experience. No matter where or when we live, we find ways to express ourselves, whether it’s art hung on the wall or worn as jewellery.
- Learning through the generations – Over time, glass art techniques have developed, and the secrets to different creative processes have been passed on from one generation to another. This interconnectedness is so special. There is nowhere it was experienced more than in a place I have studied myself, Murano, Italy. Murano became so well known for glass artistry because, in the 13th century, it was decreed that all furnaces would be moved from Venice to the cluster of islands. The official line behind this move was to prevent a fire from breaking out in the city. The underlying motive was to concentrate and protect the glassmaking expertise in one area. It became a hub of artistic glass excellence, and I’m so proud to have been part of the story.
- The symbolism in the creation – I think glass art has one of the most interesting creative processes. I get to take my story, my feelings and the message I want to share with the world and bring it to life in symbolic ways. When I’m hot sculpting, I’m forging with fire. There’s a sense of resilience and rebirth after walking through fire to reach the other side. When I’m working with glass murals, alongside hand-cut glass, I use thrown glass pieces. I place glass sheets in a bag and throw them off the roof of the gallery to form organic pieces. There is so much in letting go, of frustrations, of the outcome, and then letting in spontaneity and creativity. The therapeutic creative process gives each glass artwork an undeniable depth and magnetism.
- A fresh twist – Despite glass artistry being an ancient art form, it can feel really modern. It uplifts a space and suits contemporary interior styles. The brightness of the glass coloring can turn glass art into a bold statement piece. In the medium of glass, you can create small details or use larger shapes to tell a story in an abstract way. I have so much fun with the textural surface of glass art. In some places it’s smooth, and in others it’s bumpy as the glass pieces layer beside and even on top of each other. At a time when so much is digital, this physical dimensional element makes the art even more magical.
From its long history to its contemporary explorations, there is so much to love about glass art. If you are intrigued, I invite you to take a closer look by joining me at ALG Fine Art’s Summer Social. Next week, we are opening the gallery in the evening for a relaxed art experience. As well as being able to see my glass art collection and the range of techniques within it, you’ll be able to witness the creative process in my live art demonstrations. Come see me play with fire and ask any questions you have about glass art and expanding your collection with this multi-dimensional medium.
Summer Social at ALG Fine Art
Friday, July 17th
5:30 PM – 8 PM
1302 Dragon Street, Dallas, TX 75207