On View: October 6 – 31, 2016
Opening Reception: October 6th, 5pm – 8pm
Opening Thursday, October 6, Vetri will present Six Months at Sea, a show featuring new works in glass made collaboratively by Jennifer Caldwell and Jason Chakravarty. Together they have created a magical body of work intended to take the viewer on a transportive journey to experience the solitude of spending six months at sea.
Known for her hyper-realistic flame-worked glass sea creatures (specifically her octopuses), in this new body of work, Caldwell incorporates Chakravarty’s signature cast glass, as well as experiments with cast metals and applied surface textures. These sculptures result in a conceptual narrative and invite the viewer to discover personal meaning from their abstract arrangements of imagery and layers of symbolism.
This series was created by Caldwell and Chakravarty while they traversed over 17,000 miles, crisscrossing the country and traveling internationally to teach at various glass centers and studios. Their journey continues after the opening of the show, when they will take part in the Niijima International Glass Art Festival in Japan. Signs of living on the road are evident in each of the works: the dive helmet, used to travel into parts unknown; the fleeting landscapes through a porthole window; the snail carrying its home on its back; the dock, a place of arrivals and departures.
Jennifer Caldwell (nee Umphress) is an artist based in Kingston, Washington. Originally from Redwood City, California, Caldwell started blowing glass after moving to Hawaii, and later apprenticed with Cesare Toffolo on Murano, Italy. She has worked in glass for 16 years, and teaches workshops internationally. Her work is held in the Kobe Lampwork Glass Museum collection in Japan, and she was recently commissioned by the Corning Museum of Glass. Vetri has shown her work since 2008. Her work is constantly evolving, but she still draws her biggest influence from the ocean.
Jason Chakravarty is a mixed media artist based in Arizona. He worked for four years in a commercial neon sign shop before earning his MFA from California State University-Fullerton. He teaches neon and kiln casting workshops at universities and glass centers nationwide, and exhibits his work nationally. Vetri has shown his work since 2015. Within his glass works, Chakravarty focuses on the narrative. His work often reflects on human relationships, communication, and social networking.
Vetri is excited to exhibit these experimental works that combine the ideas and skills of each artist and bring an inventive voice to our gallery space.
Join us from 5pm-8pm on Thursday, October 6th to celebrate the debut of this special exhibition, and enjoy drinks, appetizers, and mingling with the artists.
Six Months at Sea will run from October 6th through October 31st. For advance sales information or additional images, Please contact us at vetri@vetriglass.com or call us at 206.667.9608.