Project Goal
- To create large-scale, exquisitely simple, jewel-like symbols that represent our Canadian natural capital.
- To make the most of this very rare opportunity.
Precious Water
Design Considerations
- Occasion: utilize the advanced skills of the MOG glassblowers
- Quality: repeatable enough to refine the objects in the short 6 day timeline
- Efficiency: make use of a four-person team of professionals and exceptional glass quality/facilities
Variables
- To be effective, the forms need to be flawless
- 6 days is a short time for glass production
the production method was simple enough that we were able to produce the whole series two and a half times
Solutions
Colour & Thickness: applied in such a way it takes advantage of the superior glass quality
Shape: simplified means less time refining the profile
Size: this work is very large for handmade glass, the largest are 3’ tall
Volume: the production method was simple enough that we were able to produce the whole series two and a half times
Creative
I’ve driven across Canada many times. The more familiar I become with the back woods and small communities of our northern regions the more I’ve learned about our country’s dependency on our natural resources.
Earth resources sustain the Canadian economy, but this wealth comes with risk. In this monolithic glass sculpture, I’m presenting these commodities distilled down to what they are: Fragile, Beautiful and Precious.
Precious Timber
Conclusions and Hindsight
The only cost I incurred on this project was shipping the glass home. The invitation to work at MOG was an expenses paid gift and as such, I’m grateful for the experience.
My greatest win was the satisfaction that comes with preparation. I had thought through the angles of production and object design very thoroughly. I did lots of testing and drawing and that work paid off.
The sculptures are beautifully made and exceeded my expectations.
photo credit: wilson barry, ken emly, tacoma museum of glass
All images and content© 2017 Sally McCubbin