Quick Introduction to Glass Art

Curating a home art collection is an exciting task that can span many years. Art from all periods of your life, representing different stages and places, can beautify and personalize your home. One mistake many collectors make is limiting themselves to wall mounted flat art pieces, like paintings and drawings — widening your perspective by letting in ceramic sculptures, hanging mobiles and glass artwork can beautify and diversify your home more than you ever thought it could.

When it comes to glass art, it is best to familiarize yourself with the medium and its history so you can make an educated decision when buying, and understand how best to mount or display your new piece.

Materials
About 90% of glass used today is enriched with lime, and 71% of the weight of modern glass can be accounted for by pure silica (or fused quartz). Glass is truly an extraordinary substance. It is transformed from raw materials at a temperature of 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit and shaped by artists into sculptures, light fixtures, bowls, and figurines through two primary methods: free-blowing and mold-blowing.

History
Glass blowing has an ancient history. Its invention coincided with the rise of the Roman Empire in the first century. However, if you want to buy modern art, you’re in luck. The studio glass art movement began in 1962 when Harvey Littleton and Dominick Labino held two workshops at the Toledo Museum of Art, during which they experimented with melting glass in small furnaces and blowing glass. Since then, many artists have used the medium alone or in conjunction with metal and paint to create stunning glass sculptures and glass paintings.

Notable Artists
Rochester-based artist Albert Paley is well known for his beautiful metal and glass sculptures. He was the first metal sculptor to receive Institute Honors awarded by the American Institute of Architecture. Ann Wolff, one of the founding members of the studio art movement itself, was the center of attention for as late as into he 1960s. Karen LaMonte is known for her stunning life-sized sculptures in ceramic, bronze and cast glass. Knowing your artists is an important part of choosing which pieces and from which tradition you like best!

When you are looking to buy modern art, don’t forget to check out the glass selection online or in a gallery!