E-Newsletter : Issue #055 November 2012

November 2012

Holsten Galleries
newsletter

Note from Kenn Holsten

Many of you are aware that 2012 has marked the 50th anniversary of the so-called studio glass movement in this country. It was in 1962 that Professor Harvey K. Littleton and scientist Dominick Labino created the first small scale furnace for glassblowing in Ohio. Shortly after that Littleton began the first graduate glass program at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Two of his first students, Marvin Lipofsky and Dale Chihuly, went on to teach glass blowing on the west and east coasts and the rest is history.

But are you aware that the Phoenicians were using glass to create objects of art as early as 50 B.C.? Or that the Venetians have been creating glass art for over 700 years? The beginning of glass making dates back approximately to 3500 B.C. in Egypt, Mesopotamia and what is now Syria. Being aware of a little of the history of glass can enhance our appreciation of the magnificent works of glass art being produced in this country and throughout the world today. Speaking of which, I hope you enjoy the selections I’ve chosen to share this month.

Quote of the Month

“When a man lifts his blowpipe . . . everything he knows converges at once on this curious scene reenacted millions of times in human history: a man breathing his desire into the molten glass.”

-Harvey K. Litleton in an essay/interview with William Warmus titled “A Fire in the Studio,” first published in Glass magazine, Autumn, 1998.

Featured Works

Dinosaur and Mandara by Lino Tagliapietra
I have chosen two Lino Tagliapietra pieces to feature this month. The “Dinosaur” series has always been one of my favorites and I particularly like the form of this one. The cool blue surrounding the hot yellow center makes for a very dramatic contrast. The “Mandara” piece is a simpler form but the multiple layers of color are very pleasing and give this piece an abstract painterly feeling.

Mandala by Steven Weinberg
This new piece by Steven Weinberg is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. I love the fact that we see very different images from one side to the other. The clear with gold has been a them of Steven’s for some time but the other view gives us a glimpse into something that is almost cosmic.

Magenta Pilchuck, 1979 by William Morris
(Secondary Market)
This is the earliest piece I’ve ever seen by William Morris. Although it was made at the very beginning of his career, both the shape and patterning of the surface shards are a hint of things to come in the 1980’s. To see more available historical works click this link. Also, I have just gotten access to a wonderful collection of glass art from the 1980’s. I do not have professional images yet but do have snapshots so please contact me if you would like to see these. A few of the artists included are Chihuly, Dailey, Zynsky, Littleton and Carlson.

Jasmine Basket by Dale Chihuly
This Studio Edition from 2010 is still available. I love the buttery yellow color and the simple lines of this piece. I’ve always liked Dale’s “Basket” series and it’s rare to find one in this scale. For other available Studio Editions, click here.

Calendar

Thru January 6, 2013: Lino Tagliapietra “Maestro” Exhibition, Museum of Glass, Tacoma, WA

Thru February 10, 2013: “Chihuly at Virginia Museum of Fine Art,” Richmond, VA

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your interest and support in 2012 and throughout the years. Christine and I wish you, your families and loved ones joyous holidays and good health and prosperity in the year to come.

Kenn Holsten

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