Category Archives: CONTEMPORARY SURREALISTIC

Virginia Athenaeum Sculpture Invitational features WGS Directors

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Curated by Alison Sigethy and produced by Veronica Szalus, “Eclipse” is an invitational sculpture show opening Jan 16th at the Athenaeum that examines light and shadow, liminal space, and the passage of time.

An exhibition titled “Eclipse” evokes themes of transformation, obscuration, revelation, and the interplay of light and shadow. The works of Washington Glass School artists Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers, and Michael Janis seems to fit so seamlessly into such a thematic framework, each offering a unique interpretation of these ideas through their distinct techniques and narratives.

Detail of Tim Tate’s work in the “Eclipse” exhibit

Tim Tate is known for combining traditional glass craft with modern video elements and digital media to create mixed-media sculptures that explore themes of memory, mortality, and the passage of time. His works often embody themes of transformation, obscuration, revelation, and the interplay of light and shadow. In this exhibition, Tate’s work symbolizes the moment of revelation that occurs during an eclipse, where hidden truths or forgotten histories come to light. His lenticular prisms that shift between imageries effectively capture the fleeting moment of an eclipse where light is temporarily blocked yet still visible in other forms.
Said Tate: “In my lenticular series, I aim to capture the nature of memory and perception. By layering multiple images within a single lens, I create a sense of depth and dimensionality that shifts and changes as the viewer moves.”

Detail of Erwin Timmer’s cast recycled glass artwork featured in “Eclipse” exhibit.

Erwin Timmers is deeply committed to environmental sustainability, and his works crafted from recycled glass introduce a theme of renewal and regeneration within the “Eclipse” exhibition. Timmers uses discarded materials to create beautiful forms, highlighting the potential for transformation in the most unexpected places—much like an eclipse, which temporarily alters perception and understanding. His work often conveys a narrative of reclaiming what is cast aside, fitting well into the exhibition’s overarching theme of cycles of destruction and rebirth. Once destined for landfills, the recycled materials are reborn as testaments to the power of transformation and the importance of reexamining our relationship with the natural world. Timmers’ recycled glass sculptures also play with light, given the translucent nature of glass, adding a dynamic interplay of illumination and shadow.
Said Timmers about his work in the Eclipse series: “I explore the intersection of environmental waste and beauty. By casting discarded materials into sensuous forms, I aim to reveal the beauty hidden within the discarded and the forgotten. As we stand at the edge of ecological crisis, I believe that art can serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring us to reimagine our place within the delicate balance of the ecosystem.”

Detail of Michael Janis’ “A New Dawn” glass artwork featured in “Eclipse” exhibit.

Michael Janis’ sgraffito glass portraits, which often explore identity, human emotion, and societal themes, align with the “Eclipse” theme by focusing on the layers of human experience and the partial obscuration of self. His technique of layering powdered glass to create complex imagery is akin to the way an eclipse gradually reveals or conceals—shadows and light playing across the surface, revealing deeper meanings. His works evoke the internal eclipses we face—moments where parts of ourselves or our histories are hidden or revealed depending on the perspective or light shed on them. Janis’ portraits also symbolize the personal and psychological aspects of an eclipse, dealing with identity, transformation, and the hidden aspects of the self that come to light.

Said Janis of his frit powder portraits: “Each element of my artwork serves as a kind of representation of the chaotic nature of human existence. By abstracting the realistic figures, I highlight the intricate layers that shape our identities, both internal and external. These divisions symbolize the diverse aspects of our personalities, experiences, and cultural influences that converge within a single being.”

Eclipse
An Athenaeum Sculpture Invitational
Curated by Alison Sigethy
January 16, 2025 – February 23, 2025
Artist Reception: Friday, January 17, 6 – 8 pm
Artist Talk: Sunday, February 23, 2 pm
Participating artists:
Michael Janis
Lori Katz
Mike Price
Carol Prusa
Sarah Hood Salomon
Salih Zeki Sayar
Murat Sener
Michael Enn Sirvet
Tim Tate
Erwin Timmers
Maduka Uduh

The Athenaeum is home to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association (NVFAA), an organization dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of the building and the celebration of regional arts.
The Athenaeum Gallery
201 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Posted in contemporary art glass, contemporary artwork, contemporary craft, contemporary sculpture, CONTEMPORARY SURREALISTIC, content driven glass, environmental art, erwin timmers, kiln fused glass, kiln-formed, kiln-formed glass, kilncast, kilncast float glass, scraffito, sgraffito technique, Tim Tate, washington glass school, Washington School of Glass | Tagged , , ,

Washington (State) Museum of Glass Showcases Washington (DC) Glass School Directors

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Sculptures by each of the Washington Glass School Directors – Tim Tate, Erwin Timmers and Michael Janis- were acquired for the permanent collection of the Tacoma Museum of Glass (MOG).

Michael Janis, “Healing Words” 2009, kilnformed glass, glass powder imagery, 37″ x 19″ x 2″, Collection Museum of Glass.

A long-time Museum of Glass Trustee, Potomac, MD-based glass-art collector Robert Minkoff selected MOG to house his art collection before passing away in September 2020. Developed through decades of patronage and philanthropy, the collection celebrates the incredible diversity of glass art and its possibilities in the field of contemporary art.  With the addition of Robert Minkoff’s personal collection, the Museum’s glass holdings are now the largest in the Western United States.

The artworks by the Washington Glass School artists will be part of a yearlong exhibit Boundless Curiosity: A Journey with Robert Minkoff, opening April 2, 2022.

Organized by Museum of Glass and curated by Katie Buckingham, ‘Boundless Curiosity’ follows Minkoff’s love of glass and tells vibrant stories of glass’s evolution from a studio craft material. “The Minkoff Collection is a transformational gift to the Museum” said curator Katie Buckingham. “We are excited about the opportunity to widen the story of glass art and show compelling narrative sculptural work”.

MOG’s contemporary glass collection concentrates on how medium of glass interacts with modern day art. Citing “glass secessionism” (as defined by Tim Tate and William Warmus in their “21st Century Glass Conversations and Images” online group) there is a movement in glass art away from “technique” towards “artistic vision” and concept. Said Curator Buckingham “we all look forward to including the artworks by the Washington Glass School directors – the 3 Musketeers of Glass.”

Washington Glass School artists Erwin Timmers, Tim Tate and Michael Janis (aka aka- Athos, Porthos and Aramis)

Works by noted glass artists Dale Chihuly, Lino Tagliapietra, Debora Moore, Therman Statom, Amber Cowan, Susan Taylor Glasgow, Shane Ferro, Paul Stankard, and Laura Donefer round out the exhibit in the main gallery of the Museum. The Minkoff collection exhibition will kick off the Glass Art Society (GAS) 2022 international conference held in Tacoma, WA this May.

About Museum of Glass

Located in Tacoma, Washington, Museum of Glass is a premier contemporary art museum dedicated to glass and glassmaking in the West Coast’s largest and most active museum glass studio. Opened in 2002, the Museum has established a reputation for hosting impactful and engaging artist residencies, organizing nationally traveling exhibitions, and creating unique programs for visitors while building a growing permanent collection chronicling the development of modern and contemporary glass. 

Museum of Glass provides an environment for artists and the public to ignite creativity, fuel discovery, and enrich their lives through glass and glassmaking. MOG’s glass holdings are now the largest in the Western United States.

BOUNDLESS CURIOSITY: A JOURNEY WITH ROBERT MINKOFF

Opening April 2, 2022 thru 2023

Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock Street, Tacoma, WA 98402

www.museumofglass.org

Posted in american glass, contemporary art glass, contemporary artwork, contemporary craft, contemporary sculpture, CONTEMPORARY SURREALISTIC, MOG, museum, museum of glass, narrative glass, robert minkoff foundation, washington glass school, Washington School of Glass, wgs, فن الزجاج الجديد, アメリカのガラス芸術, 美国新艺术雕塑

WGS Featured Artist: Sean Donlon

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CLICK IT! Featured Artist: Sean Donlon

Sean Donlon has been drawn to the challenges of glass manipulation. Sean earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Craft and Material Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012. He has traveled all over the United States and internationally to Lauscha, Germany and Murano, Italy to study lost glass techniques and to work with other glass artists. Among his distinguished honors, Sean has been the recipient of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts fellowship, was awarded Craft + Design’s Best in Show, and was recently featured in American Craft Magazine. Sean’s work has been exhibited in the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, and the Chrysler Museum. He is currently living and working in Richmond, VA.

Sean Donlon

Sean Donlon

Washington Glass School blog catches up with Sean as his work is part of the WGS Contemporary online exhibit “CLICK-IT!”.

Washington Glass School (WGS): Describe your artwork method/process.

Sean Donlon: I use flameworking, a glassblowing technique, to create these teapots. Within the manipulation of glass and fire a unique vessel is born.

Sean Donlon, "Tantric Tea Time"; glass / mixed media

Sean Donlon, “Tantric Tea Time“; glass / mixed media

WGS: Describe your work in the show and highlight aspects that the viewers should understand about the work.

Sean Donlon: We are surrounded daily by functional objects; beauty everywhere is easily overlooked when it is hidden in plain view. Becoming obsessed with this practical object turned into an opportunity to make sense of the world.

The teapot became a symbol in my eyes, one that could be recognized by all people. Throughout history teapots have been used as a canvas for expression through its maker or utilizer. This makes the teapot a greater symbol – one that can connect everyone on the principle of taking a moment to wind down, interact, tell stories, or internally reflect.

This inanimate object becomes vibrant and alive when juxtaposed in a foreign environment; every teapot manifests its own personality in these installations. Reflecting light off of each other and playing with their environment, these teapots, in every viewing angle become their own story. 

WGS: How have you handled the Covid lockdown?

Sean Donlon: It has been difficult, and a storm of emotions. I have family who is going through treatment for a terminal cancer and covid isn’t making that experience any easier.

I run a shared studio space with other artists, and it has been a big change. In the pace of the workplace, and to make sure everyone is on the same page in our adapting to this pandemic.  Safety has always been our top priority, I was very excited to see how everyone came together to make things operate smoothly.  It hasn’t been easy, but I have realized so many small things I love about life. Between the sound of water pouring on coffee beans for cold brew, and how light can change so much in a few seconds throughout the day.  Its made me so grateful to be able to reconnect with the world around me again.

I was thinking there would be a large flow of creative energy, but it has actually been hit and miss.  Its made my work slow down but in a great way.  New work from this is in the works and I am excited to share it when its ready… but its kind of hush hush till then.   

WGS: if you were not an artist – what would you be?

Sean Donlon: I discovered glass when I was working as a tire installer.  I had a car dropped when I was working on it and almost lost my hands and it was that day, I decided to switch to glass full time… I wanted to keep using my hands to create art and have not looked back since that decision.

Sean Donlon's surreal teapots.

Sean Donlon’s surreal teapots.

WGS: Do you do a lot of planning in your work – or is there an element of chance while working?

Sean Donlon: Much of the planning starts with the concept and design.  Then trying to figure out what tools to make is important to each piece.  Everything gets a custom-made component to make the mounting and shaping seamless.  Then the raw fun starts.  When doing the hot glass part, it is planned – but then I do allow room to have the natural avenue of chance and error to come into play!

WGS: What is your rule of thumb in determining when a work is finished?

Sean Donlon: (When the hot glue is dry… JK). I wish this was an easy answer but its not.  I often know when I am working the glass on the torch when its done.  There will be this moment where it just speaks to me in a way that i see if i change anything else it’ll be too much or throw off the balance of the piece.  Once this is done I still have to install and mirror the work so its still a long process after the glass is made.

My rule of thumb is when the work has the right gesture, narrative, flow, and I am happy with it.  I won’t let something out that I am not please with, and it takes failed works to make the great ones.

 

Click here to jump to Sean Donlon’s work in CLICK-IT!

 

Posted in 2020, 21st century glass, art glass, artist interview, click-it, conceptual glass, contemporary craft, contemporary sculpture, CONTEMPORARY SURREALISTIC, glass art, sean donlon, wgs contemporary

Lindy Irhman @ Florida’s Duncan McClellan Gallery

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With the weather bringing attention to all things Florida – happily on Florida’s gulf coast, the Tampa Bay area has received only some strong winds from Hurricane Matthew. 

The City of St Petersburg is home to Duncan McClellan Gallery, which features rotating exhibitions showcasing national and internationally recognized glass artists. Starting today, the gallery features the work of glass artist Lindy Irhman.

Lindy Ihrman, "Passages"; digital photography and kiln cast glass; 15 x 9 x 2½ inches

Lindy Ihrman, “Passages”; digital photography and kiln cast glass; 15 x 9 x 2½ inches

Lindy is a glass artist from West Michigan creates sculpture and wall panels made from layered digital images that are fused into slabs that exploit the 3-dimensional quality inherent with stacked glass and the depth enhances her narrative and metaphors, drawing the viewer into the eccentric and beguiling imagery within. Lindy’s contemporary surrealism is like opening a door and seeing a strange, new planet. One never know what to expect, it’s bizarre but familiar, just like dreams. 

Lindy Ihrman, "Still Waiting"; digital photography and kiln formed glass, enamel, metal frame; 14 x 16 x 1 inches

Lindy Ihrman, “Still Waiting”; digital photography and kiln formed glass, enamel, metal frame; 14 x 16 x 1 inches

Lindy’s work shows how new techniques continue being integrated with traditional craft with the coming of the digital age. The art form of photo manipulation involves the creation of unique images and in some instances, signature expressions of art by photographic artists. Lindy is able to create an inspired transition between her photographic work and her sculptural glass.

Lindy Ihrman, " Morning Mist"; digital photography and kiln cast glass; 10 x 15 x 2 inches

Lindy Ihrman, ” Morning Mist”; digital photography and kiln cast glass; 10 x 15 x 2 inches

Duncan McClellan Gallery’s Artistic Director, Mary Childs, said of Lindy’s artwork: “[We are] dedicated to mentoring emerging artists, and Lindy Irhman’s work deserves the introduction we are happy to give give her…The skill and vision represented in her pieces is fresh and innovative, and we are proud to represent such a promising talent.”

On Saturday, October 8, 2016, Duncan McClellan Gallery will also open “Art Outdoors” for their official opening of their new Sculpture Gardens.

Lindy Ihrman, " The Flock";digital photography and kiln cast glass; 14½ x 10 x 2 inches

Lindy Ihrman, ” The Flock”; digital photography and kiln cast glass; 14½ x 10 x 2 inches

Duncan McClellan Gallery

2342 Emerson Ave. South , St. Petersburg, FL 33712

 

Posted in CONTEMPORARY SURREALISTIC, duncan mcclellan, saint petersburg, st petersburg | Tagged