What's In An Object? Treasure

Prehistoric man made icons to worship and express his beliefs. Today we still consciously or unconsciously imbue objects with certain powers. We value and experience them as repositories for ideas and memories.

The creative maker processes his aesthetics through the objects he creates. Artworks become a visual manifestation of the artist's perspectives. Patrons complete the cycle...maker /object / patron...appreciating the inherent message in the work.

While teaching ceramics, I discovered an affinity for small forms that express an eastern (Zen) philosophy. Robert Yellin puts it concisely discussing Japanese tea bowls. We must "...understand their "spirit," in which simplicity is depth and intelligence, asymmetry is beauty, and cracks and "flaws" are attractive."

This approach relates to naturalism in western art where the purpose is to reflect the imperfection of our real existence rather than the ideal. The work of the sculptor Peter Voulkos is a good example.

These thoughts came to mind as I considered my choice of a treasured work by another artist. I have a small glass vessel created by a friend from graduate school who was one of the most unpretentious and down-to-earth people I've ever known. One day, as I watched him working in his glass studio, he invited me to choose a piece for myself. After careful deliberation over many fascinating shapes, sizes, and colors, I settled on the modest form you see here. It's one of his earliest and smallest works.

Small Glass Vessel by R. Luttrell (2.5 inches high)

Some might say it has "soul". It has a colorful warmth that flows freely without seeming contrived. The form slouches, expressive of a naturalism I admire. It looks comfortable and relaxed, much like its creator, accepting of the imperfection in life. This small treasure had a lot to teach me. I keep it close to remember.

For more about glass-blowing you might enjoy the work of a consummate master, Dale Chihuly.____________________________________________________________Read about artworks cherished by other Handmade Division members:
Andes Cruz, Jewelry by Natsuko, Abhaya Fibers,
kerin rose, Sand Fibers, Purified Art,
Tamra Gentry, Tosca, Rickson, Beth Cyr,
Ceeb Wassermann, Susan Moloney, WATTO.

New Insights, New Series...Treasure

Mobile / Stabile 5

Last July I lost a brother whose courage and brilliance have inspired my entire life. Our conversations had often been about art, building things, and sailing. For a time in my grief I had absolutely no interest in creating anything.

One afternoon in August, while I was viewing a recent video of us discussing art and creativity, I had a breakthrough experience as I imagined making a linear sculpture that expressed our dialogue. Continuing in my current direction with sculptural forms, it was the beginning of a new series that I call "Kites", concerned with the concepts of soaring, sailing, overcoming.

Mobile / Stabile 5, another view

This is the thing that I have created that I treasure most. It is my first "Kite". Because of the experience that guided my work, I've gained fresh insights into the creative process. On a personal level, the piece symbolizes a connection that is alive in me now, just as it always has been.

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Learn what other artists in the Snow Leopard Network have created that they treasure most: Andes Cruz, Jewelry by Natsuko, Alice Istanbul, Bill Martin, Rosy Revolver,Thomasin Durgin.