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Statement Robin CASS
My experiences in Seto last winter were rich and rewarding in every way. I am deeply grateful to the people of the Ceramic and Glass Art Center and Seto City Cultural Center. Everyone I had the pleasure of working with was extraordinarily helpful and patient. In particular; the skill, dedication, and hard work of my studio assistants made my many ambitious projects possible.
I have always enjoyed working with glass for both utilitarian vessel making and as a sculptural material for personal expression. The wealth of facilities and highly skilled help provided during my stay in Seto made both types of work possible. The two directions I choose to explore were the Italian blowing technique in which vessels are made from mosaics of flat cane, and mixed media construction of small sculptures involving slumped and cast glass.
The blown pieces, Tessere Lanterns were inspired by Ercole Barovier's designs of the 1950's. In determining the final shapes for these vessels, I was inspired by typical paper lantern forms. I felt that the complexity of the surface patterns worked best when applied to these simple, balanced forms.
I was also pleased to be able to complete four small sculptures which grew out of my ongoing series of suspended glass and metal constructions, Divers and Travelers. The Seto Divers are semi deflated "ampoules" fabricated from two panes of bent glass. These shells are tightly stitched together with waxed linen and their surfaces abraded or covered to partially obscure the space between. Inside each piece, various life forms huddle together or rest alone. This series is suspended as group and the viewer is meant to relate to each while it drifts at eye level.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to experience this fantastic residency program, and know that it's effects on me and my creative work will be deep and lasting.
Thank you
Robin Cass
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