A unique handblown and carved glass vase inspired by the color and texture of metamorphic rocks I have studied in my work as a geologist. The pattern was created using stringers of very stiff white glass.
To make stringers, stiff glass is melted onto the end of a steel rod, then coated in clear and then pulled to the diameter of a magic marker (glass cane) and cut into short pieces. These cane pieces were then melted together and then pulled out into long skinny rods (about 1/16” diameter), each containing multiple very thin threads of stiff white glass. Then those stringers were then “painted” onto the surface of a bubble of glass (already colored with a water-color like pattern of blues and greens) with an oxy-propane torch. This process takes several hours over the course of several studio days. After being patterned and inflated in the hot shop, this vase has been hand finished to a satin surface to better highlight the detailed stringer patterns. This patterning is inspired by metamorphic garnet-chlorite schists that I have encountered in my geology work. This vase is one of a kind and was blown by the artist (David L Smith) with a unique shape and pattern. Because this is hand-blown, there are small bubbles and tool marks present in the piece that are artifacts of the studio glass process. This vase is a piece of art and is signed and dated by the artist. And it it a practical object as well, suitable for use every day. It also makes a great gift! Hand-washing recommended. Thanks for supporting independent artists!
