SUSAN GOTT

The sculptural glass of Susan Gott embodies an interest in mythological imagery, symbolism, and traditions from ancient cultures. I study these symbols and philosophies to develop ideas and create a new mythos, using glass as a sculptural medium. Ancient people recognized the cycles of life, of the moon, crops, and seasons through rituals such as making art, storytelling and dancing.

Through drawing and visual abstraction, I am able to find new meaning, develop a vision, and explore new directions. The unfolding of the imagery and the creation of this art work embraces the essence of the feminine and the creative process becomes my ritual. The resulting sculptures in glass are a visual re--presentation of the cycles of life. These investigations have opened new sources of inspiration for my work and strengthened a connection between my art and that which is timeless.

The art works evolve from my research and drawings as I create sculptures using one or more techniques for mold making, glass casting, or hot glass manipulation. I frequently work directly in a sand mold by carving cryptic symbols and 'painting' images with powdered glass colors. The casting process can be intense and often involves ladling the molten glass directly from the furnace. Planned images or inclusions may be placed in the interior of the sculpture, while intuitive decisions are made as I manipulate the molten material. The resulting glass reveals itself in layers by diffusing or transmitting light through the material; transparent or opaque, polished or rough, exposing or disguising the interior. The glass surfaces are further enhanced with enamels, copper, gold leaf, patinas, polishing, or sandblasting. The texture and forms obtained with cast glass combined with my aesthetic concerns allows an articulate yet raw method of expressing my connection of the ancient with the contemporary.