Exhibition Dates: June 4, 2015 – June 30, 2015
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 4, 5pm – 8pm
Vetri is pleased to present Jason Christian’s solo show, Homage to Burano. This new body of work features sculptures inspired by the colors, traditions, and rich history of the Venetian island of Burano. Christian views this series as a tribute to the masters of reticello who came before him. Through interpretations of ancient Venetian glassblowing techniques, mid-century Venini designs, and contemporary color palettes, he creates a juxtaposition of old meets new. His detailed filagree patterns acknowledge the artistry of Burano lace, which dates back to 1528. The egg form is a direct reference to jeweled 18th century Fabergé imperial coronation eggs. In all of his new works, Christian demonstrates his masterful understanding of scale, form, symmetry, and pattern.
Born in 1976 on Whidbey Island, WA, to a metal fabricator and a cardiac nurse, Christian was introduced to the hot shop at age 21 as a factory charger. He has assisted notable artists Preston Singletary, Nancy Callan, James Mongrain, Martin Blank, Lino Tagliapietra, and Pino Signoretto. He currently works on Dale Chihuly’s team at The Boathouse Studio, and this summer (2015), he will be a Craftsperson in Residence at Pilchuck Glass School, where he will pair with renowned Visiting Artists, Penelope Umbrico and Barbara Earl Thomas, to fabricate their ideas in glass.
Jason Christian is a key emerging artist to watch, and we are excited to have him in our stable of artists.
Please join us for the opening of this special exhibition on Thursday, June, 4th from 5pm – 8pm during First Thursday Art Walk. The artist will be present.