Craft Show Artists 2009

Jason R. Antol — Columbus, OH

My artwork is a record of change. I sculpt my dreams, ideals, hopes, and aspirations. Working primarily in glass, I utilize the inherent qualities of the material to emphasize the ethereal and fragile aspects of my vision. Over time, I have found that the formal and conceptual aspects of my work vary and grow, creating a progressive body of original artwork that is as tumultuous and beautiful as the spirit in which it is made.

Jerry Barnett — Albuquerque, NM

Care, patience, love and high heat combine to produce kiln-formed glass art in my one-person studio. Hand cut pieces of glass are carefully fitted to create the design, followed by the first of several kiln firings to fuse the pieces together, modify the design, or shape the finished piece. The temperature reached in the kiln will range from 1250 to 1500F, depending upon the glass chosen and the stage in the creation process. Taking a day or more for each firing, the very controlled, patient ramp up in temperatures and back down insures the stability of the finished piece. The creation of the finished object may also require etching, cutting, and/or polishing operations, collectively referred to as "cold-working" processes. Except for iridescent coatings – and, of course, the stands – only glass in the form of sheets, chips, powders and rods is used in making the objects.

Harry & Wendy Besett — Hardwick, VT   |   vtglass.com

Our work seeks to evoke the serenity of our natural landscapes using a variety of glass techniques we have developed over the last thirty years. These pieces incorporate frits, powders and enamels which are then gathered over blown and shaped.

Robert M. Dane — Heath, MA   |   danegallery.com

My hand blown glass is created in my studio in the northern Berkshires of western Massachusetts. My work is influenced by the Italian tradition of glassblowing, but has a distinctly American flavor. Vibrant colors and the spontaneous improvisation of these unique designs distinguish his work in a two thousand year tradition of glassblowing. My "Tutti Frutti Goblets" are all one of a kind, spontaneous expression of life's pleasures. As in any group, no two are alike. But when they are together, they enhance each other's presence, creating a unique and beautiful experience. They are inspired by the Italian glassblowing tradition, and the diverse and vibrant world of color around us. My goblets are very functional. They are slightly heavier than the Venetian version, and they fit nicely in one's hand. They hold the wine or water well, and set a beautiful table. I celebrate the communion I share with the people who drink from my glasses.

Gary Genetti — Warwick, NY   |   genettiglass.com

My work is about Nature and the natural beauty of glass. Animals in landscapes, waterscapes or stylized environments evoke a global connection between animal life and human vessel. I explore this emotional engagement with sensitivity to color and the light that inhabits the form. My work is hand-blown and sand carved glass. The artwork is originally drawn and hand cut on each piece.

Casey W. Hyland — Louisville, KY   |   hylandglass.com

With imagery of stones, bottles, eggs, etc, I am employing glass and reflective surfaces to describe solitary moments of retrospection. Whether it is a fallen stack of stones or one's gaze into a bar, there are informative moments. For this work, I am interested in the solitary and quiet effort.

Bernard Katz — Philadelphia, PA   |   bernardkatzglass.com

The sandblasted transparent areas of these sculptural forms diffuse ambient light for a soft glow, creating dynamic contrast within the glass.

Ian Kessler-Gowell — Burnsville, NC   |   ianckg.com

I was drawn to working with hot glass due to its energy and the engaging nature of the process. The EnergyXchange residency provides me with an environmentally-friendly glass studio, as well as having access to facilities within a supportive community to develop my work. I find object making to be a very abstract form of story telling, the building blocks of a cultural identity. Whether it the richness of ancient objects worn with use or the crispness of modern design, it is how they capture a sense of time and place that speaks without words. Some major influences on my work are the lighting designs of Poul Heningson, the ground murrini pieces by Carlos Scarpa, as well as the designs of Tapio Wirkkala. I am attracted to ancient pottery, specifically Inca, Greek, Roman and Chinese forms. Painters such as Rothko and Albers have affected my use of color, as well as observing nature.

Melanie G. Leppla — Waitsfield, VT   |   madriverglassgallery.com

This work explores the use of solid rock forms, combined with open vessel forms to create compositions of implied or actual balance.

Michael J. Mikula — Cleveland, OH   |   mikulaglass.com

Inspired by architectural form and detail, I use graphite molds (designed & made by me), to cast or press imagery & structure into blown glass to make sculpture and related vessels. Each vessel and segment in sculpture is individually cast, blown, cut & polished. The natural smoothness of the blown interior surface contrasts w/ the deeply textured cast exterior, creating views into the thickness of the glass. A play on positive / negative. Architectural panels (as shown) can be scaled up for site specific installations. The metal structures are custom fabricated to my specifications and under my supervision. I complete the final assembly of glass and metal. All works are one of a kind.

Dan Mirer — Corning, NY   |   danmirer.com

I incorporate innovative and traditional glassmaking techniques to realize my designs. Each piece bears the signature bottle and goblet mark.

Nancy Nicholson — Brooklyn, NY   |   nancy-nicholson.com

I look for both beauty and humor within the urban landscape. Beginning with my photographs, I render the images into a working drawing on paper. I use traditional materials such as blown glass; lead came and copper foil, and apply techniques of sandblasting, vitreous paints and enamels to add details. Stained glass is often viewed narrowly, as a religious or decorative art form, or merely relegated to the realm of craft. I challenge these notions by using glass as a means to create work that communicates on multiple levels, encompassing formal, conceptual, and narrative elements.

Kenny Pieper — Burnsville, NC   |   pieperglass.com

My work is a celebration of traditional techniques, opulent colors and classical forms.

Erica L. Rosenfeld — Brooklyn, NY   |   ericarosenfelddesigns.com

I want to turn glass into something that is soft and tactile like fabric. I also want my work to express time and a history. I create components by blowing, carving and drilling glass. I then sew these pieces to fabric and wire mesh to create a structure and body. Each tapestry is one of a kind.

Charles P. Savoie — Ripon, WI   |   savoieglass.com

My work is either executed using cane worked glass or glass and bronze. I try to make work that is both technically and conceptually sophisticated. I strive to make expressive evocative pieces. I make all my own glasses myself as well as pore all my own bronze. I feel it gives my work a far more personal look.

Michael J. Schunke — West Grove, PA   |   nineironstudios.com

I'm inspired by the tradition and beauty of Italian glass. The intimacy of working and shaping molten glass into simple but elegant pieces gives me great satisfaction. I strive for a combination of function, contemporary colors and clean lines in every piece.

Jennifer L. Violette — Wilmington, VT   |   jenviolette.com

Inspired by my rural surroundings, I create unique sculptures that combine hot sculpted glass forms with stainless steel and wood.

Meredith V. Wenzel — Toledo, OH   |   glasscityblews.com

My work is constantly evolving handcrafted glass that reflects a unique exploration of functional and sculptural design. Blown glass, engraved, highly colorful, simplicity in design.