Precious Fish

Project Goal

To create large-scale, exquisitely simple, jewel-like symbols that represent our Canadian natural capital.
To make the most of this very rare opportunity.

Design Considerations

Occasion: utilize the advanced skills of the MOG glassblowers
Quality: repeatable enough to refine the objects in the short 6 day timeline
Efficiency: make use of a four-person team of professionals and exceptional glass quality/facilities

Variables

To be effective, the forms need to be flawless
6 days is a short time for glass production

the production method was simple enough that we were able to produce the whole series two and a half times

Solutions

Colour & Thickness: applied in such a way it takes advantage of the superior glass quality

Shape: simplified means less time refining the profile

Size: this work is very large for handmade glass, the largest are 3’ tall

Volume: the production method was simple enough that we were able to produce the whole series two and a half times

Creative

I’ve driven across Canada many times. The more familiar I become with the back woods and small communities of our northern regions the more I’ve learned about our country’s dependency on our natural resources.

Earth resources sustain the Canadian economy, but this wealth comes with risk. In this monolithic glass sculpture, I’m presenting these commodities distilled down to what they are: Fragile, Beautiful and Precious.

Conclusions and Hindsight

The only cost I incurred on this project was shipping the glass home. The invitation to work at MOG was an expenses paid gift and as such, I’m grateful for the experience.

My greatest win was the satisfaction that comes with preparation. I had thought through the angles of production and object design very thoroughly. I did lots of testing and drawing and that work paid off.

The sculptures are beautifully made and exceeded my expectations.

photo credit: wilson barry, ken emly, tacoma museum of glass

GCE