TESSA HILL
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My art work is driven by reverence for the centuries-old Venetian technique of lamp-work glass, its ability to capture and transform light, and the fluid way that glass can mimic organic forms.
The subject matter I am most inspired by is natural imagery. I continually return to plant forms, real and fantastical animals, and human cultural references. I enjoy combining dark and light elements in a piece to highlight the ongoing cycle of life. I always inject whimsy into my work. I use a propane and oxygen fueled torch to manipulate glass rods, tubes, and tiny pieces of colored glass called frit. The type of glass that I use differs from most figurine artists in that it is a more durable formula called borosilicate. After the glass is sculpted, I place it in a kiln to anneal. As a glass blower with 10 years experience, I employ innovative techniques for displaying and mounting my small sculptures; from planting glass plants in terra cotta pots, embedding fine-metal wires in the glass, to building custom shadow boxes. To affix glass sculptures to their mounts I sometimes use an archival, UV curing adhesive. I aim to create works of art that are accessible to the many corners of our community, and bring joy and inspiration to the viewer. |
