G. Michael Smith
Michael Smith began his glass education at Jacksonville University in 2009 and was awarded the “Senior Excellence in Glass” at graduation. Continuing his education at the Pilchuck glass school, Michael developed a love for sculpted glass and its ability to create forms that are only possible with this medium. In 2014, he moved to Northern New Mexico where he has continued to develop his relationship with the material.
“Working with liquid glass is a constant dance. You must be present to what is happening, working with the material and not against it. We are constantly connected to what is happening and it’s an amazing space that gracefully requires a meditative mindset.” Much of Michael's recent work has developed from exploring the fundamentals of form and structure and the way that glass remembers heat. The same motion or function with a tool can have many different affects depending on how the material is heated. Working to utilize heat as a primary tool, in tandem with tools that have existed for over 2000 years, he hopes to inspire and engage viewers with artwork that connects them with deeply rooted aspects of the human mythos and the sometimes forgotten parts of ourselves. |