2014 Poleturners Union, Local 1201

My first Pilchuck experience!  Until now I had only heard tales of its' epic-ness...and the stories they told were fitting, dreams really do come true here...

Pilchuck Glass School is an international centre for glass art education.  The serene campus in Stanwood, Washington, is nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Cascade mountains on a former tree farm. 

For three weeks each summer a juried group of glass artists from around the world, fondly known as the Poleturners, donate their time to create centerpieces for Pilchuck's Annual Auction Gala.  Consisting of a Centerpiece Designer, Project Manager, Lead Gaffers and 25 Poleturners, the group works together to produce, finish and pack approx. 110 auction pieces within a short timeframe.  With this common goal in mind, production quickly heats up and the entire team puts in dedicated efforts to carry out this vision.  Glassblowers of the world unite, share skills, gain new knowledge, and most of all have fun experiencing the incredibly cooperative spirit that is ever-present at Pilchuck!

I am thrilled, honored, and humbled to be part of such a talented community of glass artists :)

2014 Poleturners (Photo by Alec Miller)

The Hotshop (Photo by Alec Miller)

2014 Centerpiece Designer - Scott Benefield (Photo by Alec Miller)

Cailey Buye assisted by Alex Cannon (Photo by Alec Miller)

Our brilliant dinner view! (Left photo by: Cailey Buye. Right by: Rachel Escoe) 

The group watching a sunset from Inspiration Point (Photo by KT Hancock)

Making of Bocci's 57 Series

Making 57's for Bocci!  The grey exterior of this newest chandelier has a moody, rain cloud feel to it when unlit.  Once illuminated, however, the piece comes alive to reveal an entire internal universe of air pockets.  Designed to hang in horizontal clusters from a flexible suspension system, the reference to a cloudy sky becomes even further evident. 

Check out the making of 57's in this mesmerizing video by Gwenael Lewis, featuring none other than myself :) 

 

I had a fantastic time being filmed in the studio by Gwenael; such a talented director and warm-hearted guy!  Plus it's great to change pace now and then and get away from usual production mode.

Literal Goblet Series

I have always enjoyed working with my hands and creating.  The first time I tried glass blowing I was entirely captivated.  Working with hot glass requires focus, patience and a constant awareness of how I am influencing the piece; my body, my mood, and how I move all affect the final outcome.  It challenges me both physically and intellectually while providing an opportunity to be more conscious of the present moment.

My Literal Goblet series breaks down the goblet into its essential components by using handwritten glass words in place of goblet parts; evoking the question “what is a goblet?”.  

I spent half a semester focusing my practice on exploring the complexities and interdependencies of the goblet, and to date this is one of my favorite series that I've created :)

Literal Goblet Series, blown and kiln cast glass

Literal Goblet - Stem, blown and kiln cast glass

Literal Goblet - Foot, blown and kiln cast glass

Literal Goblet - Bowl, blown and kiln cast glass

A goblet is regarded as a singular object, however further examination reveals that it is a combination of individual components that work together to form the whole.  

Further works in this series can be found HERE

(All photos by Cailey Buye) 

My glass art!

My fascination with glass began 8 years ago.  Stumbling upon the glass department while in my first year of art school, I became immediately hooked.  It came as such a natural fit for me; I felt both physically and intellectually stimulated.  In 2010 I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree majoring in glass from the Alberta College of Art + Design, and have also studied glass techniques and design in Sweden, Scotland, the USA and across Canada.

I have continually worked within the Arts field.  This includes gallery sales, commission work, teaching and TA'ing glass courses, working as a visual arts studio technician, and as a full-time production glassblower.  Also, my glass work has been exhibited internationally, published, and I have been the recipient of a number of awards and scholarships.

My artwork often involves ideas of family, memory, relationships, connection, and interdependency.




View full series HERE



View full series HERE

 

View full series HERE

 

View full series HERE

 

View full series HERE


View full series HERE


(All photos by Cailey Buye)

Series 2012 - Summer Art & Fine Craft Workshops

And now it begins, another wicked summer filled with glass :D

Red Deer College - Summer Series 

Coming Up Next...

My newest series, 'Hypotrochoid' has been accepted into the upcoming exhibition, Coming Up Next!  

This juried exhibition is organized by the Alberta Craft Council and features the work of emerging fine craft artists who are within the first five years of their career or in the final year of their formal education. Coming Up Next continues to be an exciting showcase of new talent. Experience contemporary fine craft with fresh new designs in clay, fibre, metal, wood and other craft media.

The 2012 Participants are:
Kristin Anderson, Jeanie Andronyk, Breanne Avender, Seathra Bell, Larissa Blokhuis, Cailey Buye, Lyndsay Conrad, Jamie Gray, Mary Haasdyk, Nicolette Harrison, Holly Hoskin, Christopher Kubash, Erica Leal, Gillian Mitchell, Willow Rector, Jenna Turner, Claire Uhlick, Freyja Ulveland.

Exhibition runs from June 21 – July 28.  Artists reception held Saturday, June 30 2 - 4pm.

Exhibition via Facebook 

Alberta Craft Council website 

 

Series 2012 - Brochures now available

Series 2012 - Hot Glass brochures are out! Cha-Cha-Check 'em out and don't forget to register!  It's going to be an exciting summer :D

Hot Glass Classes

  

Also, don’t miss the other arts and fine craft workshops being offered through Summer Series 2012. Something for everyone! 

Summer Series 2012 classes

 

Series: Summer Art & Fine Craft Workshops