by Felicia York
If you are looking for something creative and unique for your office or home, take a look at art glass sculpture works. These works are among the loveliest that you can buy; these sculptures are, however, so ubiquitous that you can find some to fit any style of decor, furnishings, and personal tastes. (Clearly, this means that they can be wonderful gifts, too.) Many people who own these works of art like to make them part of their rooms' centerpieces, which gives an idea of just how exquisite such glass sculpted works can be.
Since glass is so workable, it can be blown and shaped into just about anything. So, if you go shopping for art glass sculpture, you won't have much trouble finding exactly what you're looking for. You can also find glass artists who will custom make a piece just for you. Some people love having a reading lamp made as a glass sculpture. Other people like to have these sculptures situated in a room that also has stained glass windows--as you can probably imagine, this gives quite a stunning effect.
the loose fragrant cavendish
and the shag,
And the bright Virginia
loose under the bright glass cases,
—Ezra Pound (1885–1972)
Colored glass or clear glass, or a mixture of them, may be used by the artist to create these works. A lot of people are stunned at how imaginative these artists who work to shape glass can be. There are art glass sculptures to fit anyone's budget while still looking gorgeous and sophisticated. Yet, some of these works are so magnificent that they reside in museums, or cost thousands of dollars. Again, there is no shortage of creativity or advanced technique to be found.
Among the biggest selling themes for these works are: animals; insects; mythological and religious beings; fruit baskets; flowers; buildings; symbols and icons; modern abstract designs; and even jewelry. The designs are made using glass cutting and fusing methods some of which go back hundreds of years. These pieces may also include metal or wood, and some parts may be glued together.
Among the best retailers of art glass sculptures today are Benetto (Italian Murano glass art) and Laska Glass (featuring glass sculptures in the tradition and styles of the Czech Republic). You can check out their websites. Or you can find an art glass sculpture studio or gallery near you and pay a personal visit.
Shall we with pains erect a heaven of blue glass over ourselves, though when it is done we shall be sure to gaze still at the true ethereal heaven far above, as if the former were not?
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
No matter where you live, what your budget is, or what your tastes are, you can find art glass sculptures that appeal