Formulations

This series began in the summer of 2000 at Pilchuck Glass School.  I wanted to explore the relationship between form, tension, and balance.  I chose to resolve these issues by connecting three separate forms together.   This allowed me to play with the proportion not only of the forms themselves but also of the piece as a whole.  The cane on the surface give a lineal quality to the pieces, supporting the form.  How does the size of the top relate to the bottom?  What happens if I alter the form?  The size or volume may remain constant but the shape has altered the relationship.

Also, I am always aware of what I call the visual weight of colour.  The same form will carry greater or less weight proportionally depending on its colour.  Like stones balanced, the components relate to each other separated by small connections.  These connections create a tension which forces the viewer to look beyond the obvious, and like the stones each component has a weight which when juxtaposed must be brought into balance.  This is the reason I join these pieces together hot as opposed to gluing them.  While gluing them would be easier, joining them hot allows me to change their form, to respond and interact with the piece; to bring balance.

[Posted by Justin on behalf of the artist.]