June 2010 At Vetri Glass-Seattle
Lynn Read: Strata
Exhibition Dates: June 3rd - 26th, 2010
Artist Reception: First Thursday, June 3rd, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Vetri Glass-Seattle is pleased to present Strata, Portland Oregon artist Lynn Everett Read's first solo exibition with the gallery. Inspired by Bargello needlepoint of the 17th century, Read examines the similarities between this ancent pattern making technique and the natural patterns, forms and strata found in the environment.
Bargello, a needlepoint technique of 17th century Florence, is a geometrically based form of pattern making in which squares of color are layered atop one another to create the appearance of organic curves; like those of flowers, water, or flames. Mathematically based and rigorous, the process of Bargello needlepoint is not unlike that of murrini glasswork. Fusing, cutting, and refusing, Read creates his unique geometric murrini components in the furnace. He then systematically arranges the murrini to create the appearance of curved lines despite using flat sheets of glass. Finally the pattern is picked up and incorporated in to a larger blown glass sculpture. It is through the blowing process that the murrini take on their own organic life – moving and shifting with the sculpture as it is blown and shaped, they mimic stratified layers of earth moving with a changing landscape. Lynn says of his process, “I use the murrini to embellish the surface and create shapes that balance the complexity of pattern with clean and minimalist lines. The shapes are very intentional and illustrate my interest in design and the craftsmanship of execution”.
Lynn owns and operates a studio in Portland, Oregon, where he creates custom glass for architects, designers, and artists. He earned his BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 1993. He has been a guest instructor at Pacific Northwest College of Art and the Appalachian Center for Crafts. Read has also been a valued teaching assistant for Ben Moore and Boyd Sugiki at Pilchuck, and for Robert Gardner at the Penland School of Crafts.
Contact: Susan Marabito, Director
susan@vetriglass.com
1404 First Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101
phone: 206.226.9608 fax: 206.621.9447
1821 E Dock St. #101, Tacoma, Washington 98402
phone: 253.383.3692 fax: 253.383.3687
Image details: Stones 1, 2 and 3, blown, fused, hot worked and carved glass, 10-16”h x 9-11”w x 3”d - 2009
