Art glass vessels by Peter Patterson (copyright Peter Patterson)
Artist’s Statement: Out of all the mediums, I find that glass is the most intriguing. When it is hot, glass is soft, pliable, and can be shaped or molded into almost anything. When cold, it becomes hard and brittle, and can be shaped, ground, or sandblasted into almost anything as well. In both cases it has the ability to inflict an injury such as a burn or laceration.
Working with glass and all its mysterious properties is a constant challenge. I have developed a process that enables me to incorporate Earth Elements and Phosphors into my hot glass artwork. Using this process, my art pieces will glow-in-the-dark. I incorporate this process into my Lightbulbs and my Memorial art pieces.
Medium: I am best known for my vast experience with different techniques and styles that I showcase in my different series. My technical skills range from optical forms to fused piece work. My extensive use of techniques in hot glass comes from my studies in college as an illustrator. I like to think of each piece as an illustration in itself. One way of controlling my images is to pre-fuse the decoration and incorporate that image in the piece.
Always being constantly challenged on different glass processes and techniques is reflected in the many glass styles I create. Much of my inspiration comes from nature, life experiences, and underwater experiences in scuba diving. The fluidness of glass is constantly in motion and lends a certain amount of unpredictability which makes glassblowing fun.
Artistic Resume:
- Education: 1981, BFA, Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland, OH
- Penland Schoold of Craft, North Carolina
I have been working with hot glass for over 25 years. Working with Master Glassblowers, I’ve learned their different techniques and styles, and have incorporated that knowledge into my own glass artwork.
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