Spie
Functional Glass Artist
From a young age I was heavily influenced by fantasy and folklore. That developed into a fascination with the mystical allure of ancient art relics, decorative ceremonial vessels, and the ritual use of ornamental sculpture. As an adult these proclivities lead to the exploration of consciousness through entheogenic recreation. Tolkien opened my eyes to the wizard pipe, and DMT opened my mind to the nature of the human experience. When I discovered flame worked glass I found a way to share the captivating sense of wonder and flow that inspires me.
Before I discovered glass, I enjoyed other expressive outlets such as mural painting, wood carving and metal fabrication. This solo mural was completed 2013 in Atlanta, GA
Research and design are important elements in my creative process. When I have a vision, it can be helpful to make a few quick thumbnail sketches. Once I’ve engineered the hydrodynamics, I can play with formal aspects of the piece, generating new ideas before investing time and energy on the torch.
Materials & Process
My pieces begin with fire and form. Using an Oxygen/Propane mix torch, I melt and manipulate canes and tubes of pre-batched color or clear borosilicate. After producing a selection of base shapes and decorative components, I garage the glass shapes in an annealing oven (kiln), resting right under 1100°F. This stabilizes the form, but keeps the molecules fluid enough to allow for the next step in the process.
Components to Sculpture
As I pull the shapes back out of the kiln, I assemble them one by one into a final fusion of form, function and fantasy. When the piece is complete it rests in the kiln for a full annealing cycle, so that the entire sculpture stabilizes at an even heat and is gradually brought down to room temperature over several hours. This ensures maximum congruency within the microcrystalline structure of the glass, allowing the finished sculptural vessel to be resilient and highly functional.
Presenting Works
My goal in my time in this lifetime is to reach into the etheric realm and reclaim magical relics of our eternal being; to manifest my visions into tangible form. Through the alchemical blending of form, function and fantasy, I hope my work will transport those who interact with it (either voyeuristically, or through direct experience) through: Amalgamation of the senses and transcendence of the mundane. Remembrance of our own divinity. Aspire to inspire.
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