Andrew Shea

My work consists of blown glass which, when cool, I fashion into elegant forms in bottles, sculpture, and vases characterized by vivid colors in facetted forms. Each facet allows a mental and visual entrance to the interior of the piece. What my works have in common is a sensitivity to the interior/exterior relationships and a respect for the integrity, purity, and potential of the material itself. In general I work alone unless size, weight, or the complexity of the piece requires assistance. By creating with glass, I can devise forms which not only function as decanters, but can serve as vessels for a far more ethereal substance: Light. Glass interacts with us through light. It captures light, bends, reflects, and breaks it into components and refracts the rays into the full, glorious spectrum. Facets focus the light and open the interior of the pieces to the viewer. The esthetic of an artist is based on his ÒfeelÓ for combining materials and elements, his spatial point of view, and his ability to present the viewer with an interplay between all of these. These concepts, like the properties of glass itself, have an aura of intrinsic, esoteric value and spirituality. I create simple and direct activity in the center of each piece with patterns and colors and then ÓcomplexÓ the exterior with sandblasting and facets. The inner space represents the infinity within and each facet represents a mental and visual pathway to the interior. The rigid surfaces of my works satisfy my desire for structure and geometry. The colorful interiors allow me to exercise freedom. This interior/exterior relationship is at once antagonistic and complementary. Combined with the other connotations attached to glass, these aspects produce a sense of harmony and grace.