Desire Path Revisited & Hydrophobia Series
In this body of work, I use the transparency of glass as a symbol for revealing what is secret, overlooked or lurking beneath the surface. The shapes “trapped” in the glass are meant to be ambiguous and at the same time suggest forms of life. The imagery reflects my feelings of awe and powerlessness as I contemplate transformation such as cell growth and decay within nature and the human body. Issues of emotional struggle and cycles of breakdown and regeneration are also at play.
My working process is a collaboration with materials and deliberately deviates from glass’ tradition as a craft medium. I cast glass because of its ability to burn organic materials, activate chemical reactions, trap bubbles and create ghost images in an unpredictable way. My technique consists of creating abstract images by bending wire and wrapping it around sticks. Wire’s linear quality makes this activity feel more like drawing than sculpting. The images evolve in a way similar to musical improvisation or playing a game (I extemporize on a theme or adhere to a set of imaginary rules). I create a composition by laying the elements out on a piece of paper. A mold is made by pushing a three dimensional shape into a sand mixture. The wire and sticks are placed in the mold, then molten glass is poured over them. The hot glass burns out the organic elements and a void in the shape of the wood remains in its place. Gases escape from the metal and wood, bubbles and sometimes ash rise up into the glass. I cede control at this stage of the process and let chance complete the piece. |