Handmade glass sculptures have been especially popular as collectors’ items since the late 19th century, even though they have been created for much longer. A glass sculpture is something mesmerizing that not only showcases the talent of the sculptor and glassmaker but also creates unexpected reflections and color combinations related to the play of light with the glass. But how and why has the rise in popularity of glassware objects as works of art happened? In this article, we will look at the development of this artistic medium, the top centers where glass sculptures are created, and the reasons why people want to collect them.
Brief History of Glass Sculptures
The history of glass goes back as far as the Ancient Mesopotamians and Ancient Egyptians. Although much of what was produced then was utilitarian, the Egyptians did create some decorative glass pieces. These were generally used as burial artifacts, although some ornaments were also made. Glassblowing wasn’t invented at this time, so the sculptures were created in molds.
Glassblowing originated during the Roman Empire, and this meant that more elaborate shapes and designs could be created. Although much of the glass was still utilitarian, some decorative pieces were made. The vibrant colors produced for these objects were cleverly created by the Romans, who added metal oxides to the molten glass.
It was during the Renaissance and Baroque periods that glass art started to flourish, particularly in Murano, Venice. Here, during the Renaissance, the artisans began to experiment with new techniques, such as Cristallo, filigree, and millefiori. The sculptures made were now more intricate and stylish. In the Baroque period, elaborate designs became popular with the use of color taking center stage. These two periods influenced modern artisans more than any other time, with Venetian glass taking center stage.
The Rise of Glass Sculptures in Modern Times
The Arts and Crafts Movement
The Industrial Revolution of the late 18th/19th centuries allowed for glass objects to be mass-produced instead of being handmade. However, by the end of the 19th century, the Arts and Crafts Movement came into force. It supported handmade products rather than mechanized ones, wanting to upgrade the decorative arts to fine art. It reached its height between 1880 and 1920 and has influenced artisans, including glassmakers, to this day.
Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau was an art movement prevalent between 1890 and 1910. Glass art was a prominent aspect of this movement, and handmade glass sculptures were created. Art Nouveau was more about artistic expression than the functionality of the objects.
The lines were flowing and long, and the designs were inspired by nature, with motifs of flowers, insects, and flowing water. The sculptures were also colorful and decadent, with luxurious materials woven into them, such as elegant enamel and precious gemstones. Acid etching and iridescence were used to increase the aesthetics of the sculptures.
Notable glass artisans of the time include Louis Comfort Tiffany, Emile Galle, and the Daum brothers.
Art Deco
Art Deco replaced Art Nouveau in the 1920s. Shapes became geometric, such as rectangles and triangles. The glass sculptures were streamlined, colors were bold, and the ornate designs of Art Nouveau disappeared. Etching and engraving were widely used, and while a lot of the glass was translucent, opaque glass was also popular, often with a frosted finish. Famous glass artisans of this time include Rene Lalique and Marius Sabino.
The Studio Glass Movement
Artisans from Murano, Italy, brought the techniques of Venetian glass to the United States in the 20th century. In 1962, the Studio Glass Movement was born, initiated by the artist named Harvey Littleton. The emphasis was on creating handmade one-of-a-kind sculptures rather than functional objects such as cups, glasses, and plates. These were to be made in a small studio environment rather than in a factory setting. New techniques were developed and incorporated into ancient methods such as glassblowing and flame-working.
The Studio Glass Movement spread to Europe, Asia, and Australia. This enabled artists and designers to share ideas and techniques. Glass sculptures were finally recognized as an art form to be reckoned with.
Major Centers Where Glass Sculptures Are Made
Murano
Murano is the glass center of the world. Glass has been created there since 1291, when all the glass furnaces were moved to the island from Venice. Originally producing mainly utilitarian pieces like cups, glasses, and vases, exquisite handmade sculptures now symbolize Venetian glass. The artisans are true masters of their craft with extensive knowledge. They know the intimate details about fire and color and how best to work the glass.
Tradition meets modernity in Murano. Centuries of glassmaking haven’t been dismissed, and techniques created years ago, like millefiori and sommers, are still used, but there are modern interpretations. The diversity and intricacy of the sculptures created in Murano is intense and is one of the reasons contemporary glass sculptures are sought after by collectors. The Picasso heads, for example, have been created through layering, cutting, and polishing, the artisans needing skills in sculpting as well as knowledge of the thermal workings of the glass.
Stunning animal figurines are also created in Murano and are a balance between reality and stylization. You will be under a spell with dolphins leaping and horses in rearing poses. Venice’s connection to the sea is represented by fish figurines, sharks, whales, and even sailboats.
There are human figurines as well, which show emotion through facial expressions. They are challenging to create, and the best ones put on full display the artistic talent and the know-how of the glassmakers. The clowns, on the other hand, showcase the playful side of Murano with their colorful costumes and their overstated expressions.
The 20th century brought Murano glass makers into the worldwide public eye. One of the most famous is Lino Tagliapietra, who is credited with bringing Venetian glass to the U.S.A.
He has produced amazing sculptures combining modern, clean lines with the vivid colors of traditional Murano glass. As well as smaller sculptures, he has created superb installations, such as Endeavor, which is housed at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York State. Colorful swirls hang from the ceiling, allowing your imagination to run wild.
Other contemporary Venetian glass artisans include Ritsue Mishima, a glassblower who creates abstract sculptures using clear glass and contemporary decorations, and Pino Signoretto, renowned for his hot shape sculptures.
The U.S.A.
With the rise of the Studio Glass Movement in the 1960s, glass sculptures became popular with collectors in the New World.
Harvey Littleton hosted glassblowing workshops, teaching artists who would become famous in their own right, for example, Dale Chihuly. He is one of the most famous glass artisans alive today and is best known for his large installations, such as ‘Chandelier’, which hangs in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. It is 27 feet (8.23 meters) long and is made from 1.300 fused blue and green pieces of glass.
Another notable US glass artisan was Dominick Labino (1910 – 1987), whose artistic journey evolved alongside the Studio Glass Movement. He became known for innovative techniques such as fused silica, which lowers the melting point of glass and allows the artist more control when sculpting. His ideas have had a big impact on contemporary glass.
Another innovative glass artisan was Howard Ben Tre (1949 – 2020), who fused tradition with modern ideas. In his sculpture, Dedicant 7, he used light and shadow to evoke emotions. Another artist, Bruce Sillars, developed the California-style torchworking technique, painting hot glass with glass canes in vivid colors. These and many more innovative techniques have increased interest in art glass sculpture worldwide.
The Czech Republic
The Czech Art Movement has also had a big influence on contemporary art glass sculpture. The movement began in the late 19th century and was influenced by both Art Nouveau and Art Deco. After the Second World War, the focus turned to abstract designs and new techniques were used, such as controlled bubbling which creates bubbles in between two layers of glass.
One of the most famous contemporary Czech glass sculptors is Ivana Masitova who blends traditional techniques with avant-garde ideas. By using light and color in her sculptures, she conveys stories to her audience.
Other famous Czech artisans include the married couple Stanislav Lubinsky and Jaroslava Brychtova. They create large sculptures that interact with light. Cast glass is the main technique used to create Czech sculptures, and other artisans include Petr Hora and Vladamira Klumpar. There are also prominent cold glass artisans, such as Pavel Hlava and Michael Pavlik.
Why People Want to Collect Contemporary Glass Sculptures
Enjoyment
People collect glass sculptures because they want to enjoy them and to decorate their homes. They might like the work of a particular artisan, or they may want to collect a certain theme, like marine animals, clowns, or abstract designs.
Prestige
Some people may want the prestige of owning art glass sculptures by a famous artisan. Others may want to own the largest collection in comparison with their peers.
Profit
Another reason that people collect glass sculptures is for investment purposes. Glass sculptures and in particular, Venetian glass, are highly regarded in the art world. If you purchase a piece of contemporary glass now from a renowned artisan and keep it in good condition, it will probably increase in value as it can become a prized collector’s item.
Desire to Showcase the Latest Techniques
Serious collectors will follow the latest trends and techniques used to produce glass sculptures and will want to add some to their collections.
A revolutionary glass art technique is kiln-formed glass. Glass is melted in a kiln, allowing artisans to manipulate glass in ways that used to be impossible. They can experiment with different temperatures and times to achieve effects such as ripples and bubbles. Complex patterns and textures can then be produced.
Digital fabrication is another revolutionary technique that has recently increased interest in glass sculptures. This involves using CAD software to create detailed sculptures. It allows artisans to create their works with complete precision.
Conclusion
Glass sculptures have a long history, but it is in the last century or so that they have truly come into their own. Artisans have been creating new techniques, continually pushing the boundaries of glass art, while still staying faithful to old techniques. What you can be assured of is that you will be buying a beautiful handmade sculpture which is one-of-a-kind.
