Pâte de Verre Sconces, 2022

Pâte de Verre Sconces

—-

2022

Pâte de Verre is an ancient technique of forming glass that predates the invention of glassblowing. Using the same kiln I use for my ceramic work, glass frit is cast into molds over a very long firing lasting multiple days. The molds crumble after each firing and are only good for a single use. This painstaking, many step procedure results in glass that has a matte surface texture, diffused translucency, and an overall rich material quality.

Commissioned by Jacqueline Sullivan Gallery, the sconces evoke flowers with translucent petals, a nod to the Art Nouveau period when the first revival of Pâte de Verre flourished..

photos by Dan McMahon, Vlad Potop, William Jess Laird, & Adrianna Glaviano