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Sculptural

 

The following includes general sculpture categories; although Rees’ approach taken towards exploration has always provided him with uncountable ideas for new forms and creations. These sculptures display but a glimpse of the breath of ideas and formulations Rees has yet to create.

Aquanauts

The concept is a take-off on the avolio used in traditional venetian goblets which creates focus on the patterns and colors of each piece by creating an integrated foot, or stand, that visually lifts the piece off the ground. As these pieces developed, color was explored into the foot which proves to add to the sculptural spirit in the series. Similar to the Spirit Catchers and Cosmonauts, these pieces resemble some organic form one might find in the ocean. They are influenced through personal observation and interpretation.

Cosmonauts

Although a completely unique process is involved in the creation of these pieces, they are direct descendants of the Aquanauts. Sometimes referred to as ‘Splats’, ‘Amoeba’s, and ‘Starfish’, these pieces resemble some organic form one might find under water. They are influenced through personal observation and interpretation.

Cubist

The Cubist concept came about as a way to display Ornaments initially. After we fabricated this sculpture there was an incredible amount of support for it to be a piece in its own right. It is fabricated with an adjustable steel frame and frosted white acrylic panels. Other materials and finishes can and have been inserted into the frame which gives this a great deal of flexibility in the visual experience.

Cut Lip Vessels

These were influenced by the Tripod Series using a very untraditional glass blowing technique of cutting the lip and feet, heat healing them and leaving this feature exposed. The first try turned out much better than anticipated.

‘Cut Lip 01’ Vessel
turquoise base, lilac frit, flash black wrap with individual twists, lapis lip and foot
10”d x 18”h

Drop Vases

The concept is a takeoff on the avolio used in traditional venetian goblets which creates focus on the patterns and colors of each piece by creating an integrated foot, or stand, that visually lifts the piece off the ground. As these pieces developed, color was explored into the foot which proves to add to the sculptural spirit in the series. This concept became adopted within the Spirit Catchers, Aquanauts, and other series.

Hextas and Cincos

This unique sculptural series are meant for the wall or ceiling. They tend to display a more three dimensional presence similar to a light fixture or chandelier. A main blown form takes place as the body while single colored tentacle forms radiate outwards from behind the body similar to a crab or lobster. These typically have 5 or 6 tentacles. The hardware is exposed and designed to enhance the concept of the piece

Pointas

‘Pointas’ Set
perspective view of 03 below
5’w x 5’h average

 

Reeds and Ribbons

These series resulted through the Drop Vase series in combination with a modified interpretation of pulling cane and latticinio. The reeds are vertical in application, extending from the ground. The ribbons tend to be more fluid in nature and horizontally mounted on wall surfaces.

Satellite

The forms in this sculptural series include bowls, platters, and flat plates. They are stacked and assembled using gaskets and aluminum hardware to enhance the spatial quality of the overall form. It can come across as a type of three dimensional vertebrae or as a type of beacon which gave term to the name Satellite.

Spirit Catchers

It is a tradition among glassblowers to create and hang a spirit catcher, or witch ball, in their studios to assure successful glassblowing and good fortune. As early as the mid-1700’s, glassblowers were known to hang witch balls in their homes to protect them from witches’ spells and evil spirits. It is thought to work by attracting evil spirits with the bright colors and patterns. When evil spirits are near, they are lured to the opening in the underside of the piece.  Here they become confused and unable to escape until they eventually dissipate. Place this spirit catcher carefully, and it will serve you well.

Sunk In Sea Forms

This body of work obviously takes reference from the sea forms in their titles. They both include a contrasting transparent single sandblasted color in a pointed cylinder form reaching out from a main focal base piece which is much more detailed in color, form, and pattern. These pieces stem from an enlarged version of the cosmonauts.

Umbrella Clouds

This series expands across several other design concepts and is named through emphasis of the process of spinning and utilizing the effects of gravity to create the form. These cloud-like forms are very large platter forms with spiral frit twist patterns and tend to hover over the viewer like an umbrella.

‘Cumulus’ Cloud Set Chandelier
turquoise and enamel white twisted frit, white lip, suspended in glass lit tubes
diameter varies (72”d average)

Parisians

The Parisians are basically large scale goblets, simplified. Simplified only due to process. Very elegant and modern with a hint to memories through their relatively traditional forms. These pieces incorporate multiple forms combined translated literally into their larger forms. This concept gave way to the creation of the Totem series.

Parisian Collection
clear and sandblasted forms
average dimension 12”d x 60”h

Just by nature, the approach taken towards exploration has always led Rees to explore multiple variations resulting from a single experiment. This approach inherently produces un-abound possibilities. In Rees’ mind, there are ‘’so many variations on ideas for direction encountered from each pursuit, it would be impossible to explore all of them. Take that thought and in cumulation with other deviations involving the processes of creation, patterns, colors, and forms at a minimum… well, it just takes the possibilities to another level all together.