April/May/June

2011

Breaking Traditions

Tradition and technique are common gauges within the world of art-glass. The sensuality of surface, vibrant colors, and the reflective as well as translucent quality of the material is mesmerizing. Most of the glass-centric artworks that I have encountered over the years focus heavily on materiality and technical prowess. Some works – either due to grandness of scale or overt fragility – cause me to wonder how they could have possibly been made, and I'm often struck by the exquisite intricacies of the twisted and delicate surfaces.

However, I've been most interested in glass as a co-opted material that could act as an element in my create arsenal, which would assist in the overall expression of my personal creative vision. My introduction to glass blowing and fusing came just a few years ago, so I haven't been steeped in the traditions that are prevalent in that community. Although I will utilize some of the techniques to help me achieve my goals, I am quite willing to break with the traditions that many glass artists hold to.

A number of years ago it was suggested to me that I pursue the creation of blown-glass pieces as a way of expressing my painted images. I quickly took to that method of working and was interested in the way light and shadow played an important role in the work's vitality. I made a number of installations with glass directly mounted to the wall. They were beautiful, but I wanted them to express more, and I wanted them to be more fully integrated into my method and style of working. Now I've pushed the installations to a new level by incorporating the blown glass elements above the surface of painted canvas. I often apply etched, painted or gold-leafed marks to the glass itself, to help with its integration.

Creative Environment

Robust ideas flow out from an environment that fosters creative and expansive thinking. The ideal environment for nurturing that type of thinking is one that is rich in encouragement and active in its support for exploration.

It may seem obvious, but it is truly difficult to maintain that type of environment on a daily basis without dedicated times that are blocked out for contemplation, relaxation and play. The pressures that accompany our contemporary society's requisite churning in search of "productivity" may show short-term creative gain, but they will eventually lead to the exhaustion of ideas, the end of personal vision and the drying of the wellspring of creativity.

Designing the environment necessary for an invigorated creativity may well require the restructuring of schedule, or the redefinition of goals and expectations. That's difficult work and will undoubtedly require sacrifice. Regular assessments may be necessary to evaluate the best course of action to take in order to carve out time for reflection, observation and general enjoyment as it relates to the desire of constructing an environment that will assist in the enhancing your creativity.

The devotion required to fashion this type of environment – one that will foster an overall creative health – is paramount and shouldn't be taken lightly. As with many things in life, the task of defining what is personally necessary to promote the fertile ground from which your ideas will flourish and grow will involve work and may require outside assistance for accountability. Encouragement and insights can be drawn from those within the art world as well as from those outside of it. Look to individuals that you trust, and those whom you feel are successful in their creative pursuits. Seek their advice and wisdom, and set yourself towards establishing your ideal environment for nurturing your creativity. Carve out the necessary space and time to explore.

Celebrate art and wine! Spring Wine Release Weekend in the valley is just around the corner (May 6 - 8). It'll be an exciting time to be in Walla Walla, so mark your calendars and plan to join me for the release weekend festivities at Foundry Vineyards.

FV will also be hosting a couple of additional unique opportunities for their mailing list guests and Artisan Circle Members that include a private tasting event in their new sculpture garden and a tour of Walla Walla Foundry. I'll be at the tasting room signing bottles during the Spring Release Weekends. Contact me at the studio or get in touch with Foundry Vineyards for additional details.

White on White Event

June 4th is another big day at the winery and we'd love to have you join for the release of our two new white wines - the 2010 White on White and the 2010 Chardonnay. I designed the new labels for the new wines. Quantities are limited. If you can't make it during the release events but would still like to purchase wine, please contact Ali Mayfield at the Foundry Vineyards tasting room. More information is available on the web site: www.foundryvineyards.com.

Black Desert Blooms, 2010

blown glass, acrylic and book leaves on fabric

96" x 48"

In "Black Desert Blooms" I have created a platform for ongoing exploration and dialog regarding the conflicts that have grown out of the need to control, access or protect limited resources. The impetus in this instance is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the chief resource is oil.

Tradition and innovation are both necessary aspects for a lasting creativity. The key is finding a balance between them that puts forth an energy that invites engagement. This quote speaks well to that.

"Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation, it is a corpse."

- Winston Churchill