|
ED BRANSON
Ed Branson’s original designs in
handblown glass are distinguished by elegant, fluid shapes and jewel-like
colors.
Working alone, Branson creates one
of a kind vessels that have the sense of movement associated with glass in its
molten state.
"In my work I try to combine the
most precise glassblowing skills with the freedom of motion of hot liquid glass,
which I achieve by dipping, dripping and pouring the glass," explains Branson.
Most of his pieces are executed in
a single transparent color, which is then cased over with clear crystal for
added depth and brilliance. By manipulating the glass while it is hot, he is
able to create graceful, organic shapes that mirror natural forms.
Branson’s exciting new Tropical series are tall, sensual forms in
brilliant tropical colors, suggesting giant rainforest flowers. The Tropical
pieces differ from the artist’s other work in that they are opaque glass
featuring unique color combinations. Tendrils that run from top to bottom
distinguish his Vines vases and perfume vials. His largescale Arbor
Series of vases and bowls suggest stately trees, with their massive roots
executed in clear crystal. His limited River Vessel series
features one continuous ribbon of glass wrapped around a blown vessel form.
Branson attended two of the country’s leading glass schools, Haystack Mountain
School of Crafts in Maine and the Pilchuck School of Glass in Washington State.
He has worked as a glass artist since 1981 and prior to forming his own studio
in 1987 he worked as an assistant to glass artist Josh Simpson. In 1992 his
work was one of 100 selected from thousands of international entries for
inclusion in the prestigious New Glass Review XIII, published by the
Corning Museum of Glass. His work is included in numerous collections,
including those of Mrs. Anwar Sadat and Scotland’s Holyrood Palace and has been
shown in major galleries, museums and juried exhibitions throughout the United
States. |