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"In Essence" Exhibition Dates: June 1st - 26th, 2005 Artist Reception: Thursday June 2nd, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Seattle, WA) Vetri International Glass is proud to present In Essence, a solo exhibition featuring new work by Canadian glass artist Jonathan Mossop. The semi-abstract sculptures included in the show use the inherent flowing quality of molten glass to explore the way emotional states and moods are communicated through gesture. The pieces convey the dynamic essence of the human spirit, rather than presenting an exact rendering of the more static, physical form. In Essence includes nearly twenty free standing and wall-mounted sculptures in a variety of poses, gestures, and colors. They express feelings ranging from bliss and exhilaration to quiet contemplation. "I have noticed that subtle changes in form or hue can inspire entirely different emotional responses," says Mossop. "I want to create work that is technically fascinating as well as emotionally evocative, giving viewers an opportunity to reflect on themselves through the experience of these pieces." Mossop executes the works using advanced color application and glass working techniques. He begins by picking up cane on a bubble of glass and then applies a color wrap that circles the piece hundreds of times; the lines from the cane and the wrap become twisted and extremely fine as they are heated. Mossop then switches the axis of the piece and gathers more glass before shaping the waist, neck, and other details. He keeps the sculptures mostly on center until they are nearly complete, at which point he shapes the pieces into their graceful, expressive final forms. After receiving his BFA from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in 1997, Jonathan Mossop began apprenticing with other glass artists and taking frequent summer workshops in order to gain the skill and experience necessary to begin creating his own unique artwork. Jonathan now has an extensive list of exhibitions and awards to his name and is represented by numerous galleries in Canada and the United States. In 2002 and 2003 he was juried into the prestigious permanent collection of the Government of Canada, which has included his work in an exhibition at the High Commission in London, England. "In Essence" will be on display through June 26th, 2005. TO JONATHAN MOSSOP'S MAIN PAGE