12 Striking Transformations Of Nature Into Translucent Glass Orbs
We see moments of beauty in nature and we think to ourselves if only we could capture it in the palm of our hands forever. Paul J. Stankard has taken this moment of wishful thinking and made it into a reality. His translucent creations, made entirely from glass, seem to positively vibrate from the life emanating through the depicted vibrant botanical scenes.
The New Jersey based artist, is largely considered to be a living master in the art of modern glass paperweights. As a pioneer in the studio glass movement technique this internationally acclaimed artist has been helping change the course of artistic glass over the last few decades. Having dived into this craft 53 years ago, Stankard tells DeMilked, “I’m dedicated to pursuing excellence through my work and building on the antique French floral glass paperweights which are very sought after in America and Europe.”
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#1 Tea Rose Bouquet Botanical with Mask, 2002, H. 5.5 inches, Photo: Douglas Schaible Photography
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He divulged a little more about the influences that inspired this particular art form, explaining “I was trained in scientific glassblowing, fabricating laboratory glass apparatus for research. At home, I set up a facility to be on the creative side and eventually the work became successful enough for me to leave the industry and devote full-time to my floral glass paperweights and glass sculptures.”
#5 Fecundity Bouquet, 2011, D. 4.0 inches, Photo: Ron Farina Photography
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#8 Emily Dickinson’s Bouquet Series; H. 4.5 inches x W. 3.0 inches; Photo: Jeff DiMarco
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Further elaborating on the process involved in crafting flora and fauna based creations, Stankard mentioned, “The process that I use to create my art is called flame-working. I use commercially available coloured and clear glasses and shape them in a gas-oxygen flame at 2200 degrees F. As an adolescent, I loved spending time exploring the mysteries of nature in the woods and picking wildflowers to bring home to my mother. Those memories became the platform that has allowed me to distinguish myself in glass. Because of dyslexia and poor performance in school, I’ve educated myself listening to audible books, mainly the western canon as well as art and poetry. And I’m an enthusiastic devotee of Walt Whitman and his poetry.”
#9 Honeybee Swarm with Flowers and Fruit, D. 6.0 inches, 2012; The Art Institute of Chicago Rubloff Collection; Photo: Ron Farina Photography
Image Source: PaulStankard
#10 Homage to Walt Whitman: Morning Glory Bouquet Orb; 2008, D. 6.0 inches; Photo: Jeff DiMarco
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#11 Summer Bouquet with Prickly Fruit, 2012, D. 4.0 inches, Photo: Ron Farina Photography
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#12 Golden Orb Floral Triptych, 2009; W. 7.25″ x H. 6.0″ x D. 4.5″; courtesy of The Robert M. Minkoff Foundation; Permanent collection of the Glass Museum, Tacoma, WA
Image Source: PaulStankard
Stankard’s work is currently in the permanent collections of over 80 museum around the world. He has authored four books, the most recent addition being “Inspiration from the Art of Paul J. Stankard: A Window Into My Studio and Soul.”
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