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DENNIS K.
MULLEN
Dennis K. Mullen’s original designs
in handblown glass are distinguished by vivid hues and random patterns found in
nature.
The artist’s Serpentine Series
of platters are distinguished by intense, saturated colors and a unique marbling
pattern that yields visually stunning, elliptical pieces, some resembling
polished stone.
Dennis started his career in glass
working with American glass master Robin Mix. In 1984, he went to Copenhagen ,
Denmark for two years to study with premier Danish designers Darryl Heinz and
Anja Kjaer. While there, he taught glassblowing and gave demonstrations on the
beautiful Danish Island of Bornholm .
Sweden came next, where Dennis
studied with Arthur Zirnsack and Hanna Dreutler, former Glass Master and Glass
Designer at Kosta Boda, respectively.
While in Scandinavia , Dennis
developed his philosophy of glassmaking: Form and function with the focus on
clean lines.
In 1988, the artist moved to
Seattle to work in various studios, and continued to develop his own style. In
1994, Dennis co-founded his own studio, Uptown Glassworks in a 100-year-old
former bus barn. “The creative urge grows. Being settled in one studio now
affords me the opportunity to reach my perceived full potential – so onward and
upward I go,” he explains. “In all my endeavors, I share my love for glass with
others, while taking pride and great pleasure in all I create. My creative urges
are constantly growing, developing and changing – there is so much more to
come.”
A recent source of accomplishment
for Dennis was the installation of a glassblowing studio at Sammamish High
School , near his studio. This is only the third High School program of its kind
in the United States . Students take glassblowing as an elective class, while
enjoying one of the most ancient art forms on earth. Dennis is proud that he has
been able to make this dream a reality for so many young people.
“In 1997, I was honored to be one
of a few glass artists, chosen from around the country, to design and create
special ornaments that hung on the Blue Room Christmas Tree in the White House,”
says Dennis. Also in 1997, Dennis was commissioned by the City of Renton,
Washington, to create a glass and steel art installation sculpture to welcome
visitors to the city.
Dennis Mullen’s work has been shown
at many major galleries, museums and juried exhibitions throughout the United
States and Europe |
