birds on a line; series update

Often I feel like the bird on the far end of the line. Watching the greater flock from afar. Observation is a trademark of the artist and it creates new perspectives of the world. Seeing things differently can make for great art as well as confusion, isolation and bewilderment. I think the later is amplified for me during this political season.

Wall of Fish

The beginning of a 'school' of fish installation.

Trash to treasure

I am always amazed at the amount of scrap glass that this company produces. I so understand how Tiffany came up with the idea of the lamps as a way to utilize the wealth of bits of glass. I have been using our scrap for years to produce art bowls.

This latest series 'Orange Hurricane' reminiscent of autumn leaves, crimson daggers and licking flames turns waste into passion.

Almost October.

birds on a line; series update

I have always loved and appreciated the minimalist poetics found in Asian art. A single branch bisecting the horizon line, a mix of details in the foreground, all surrounded by dramatic negative space. The contrast and subtlety at creating space without the use of Western 'perspective'. I am over simplifying but we Westerners have been traveling to the far East in our art for a while. Degas, Monet, Picasso and Van Gogh are only a few that started the use of pictorial techniques that can be traced back to Japanese prints and Chinese painting.

In this series the structure of the glass has influenced me. The strong horizontals and cantilevers mixed with the outlines of the birds even further influenced the colors and shapes chosen.

Here is a second for viewing.



"9 Birds on a Wire"
12" x 9"
painted fused glass
2008
$150

birds on a line

A series exploring new techniques merged with past fascinations. Reverse painting on fused recycled glass scraps become relief habitats to a community of birds.

I would watch, draw and paint the black starlings outside my studio window when I was in art school (15 years ago; sigh). Like a daily soap opera I would tune in to the story outside my window. One bird, two bird, three bird, ten...... Depending on the number of birds or the distance between them a story emerged in their tensions. 'Does this bird not like that bird?' 'Maybe these two are a couple.' 'Why is that one always alone and separate from the rest?' You get the idea; It can go on and on. It did. So these birds way back then started me off asking questions that worked their way into my artistic pursuits. Their return has me keenly aware of a cycle of completion and a new beginning. Here is the first of many I wish to share.

9 1/2 birds on a wire
15" x 10"
2008
SOLD

Inclusions - Fused Glass Paintings by Avery Shaffer

'Inclusions', is a recent glass painting installation. Please contact me regarding availability of the pieces shown.

Strong Blue Below Blue

The first of a series of glass paintings that originated from a 4"x4" glass tile. This small tile contained the vastness of the ocean and spurred me to explore where glass and paint could carry a viewer. These glass paintings are windows with an emotional view.

Fused Glass Painting
36" x 18"
Avery Shaffer
$1800.00
SOLD

Surfacing

Fused Glass Painting
36" x 18"
Avery Shaffer
$2100.00
SOLD

Black Below Blue

Fused Glass Painting
36" x 18"
Avery Shaffer
$1800.00

Capacity

Fused Glass Painting
36" x 18"
Avery Shaffer
$2100.00

Blue Between Brown & Orange

Fused Glass Painting
36" x 18"
Avery Shaffer
$1800.00

Orange, Blue, Red

Fused Painted Glass
36" x 20"
Avery Shaffer
$1850.00

Just Out Of The Kiln

Here are some of the latest pieces just out of the kiln. Exciting!

Friends enjoying a glass of wine at PLUTO gallery. Jacob DeCola's metal sculptures are shown in the foreground and on the wall. 

Another gallery shot. 

PLUTO gallery with the kiln on the right. 

PLUTO gallery is open for business!

Well, we did it. After several months of painting walls, installing track lighting and refinishing the hardwood floor PLUTO gallery is finally open. We have hand made glass snowflakes, Christmas trees in blue or green, candle shields, candle sconces, glass sculptures and bowls. The logo is on the window and everything is priced. And now that it is finished, we can look around and collectively sigh, "Not bad, not bad at all".
December 2 was our preview opening that coincided with the Festival Of Lights and it was a great turn out. Thanks to all of our friends who joined us for some holiday cheer!
Our featured artist is metal sculptor Jacob DeCola and his show can be seen through January 30th, 2006.

Special Tugboat IV, Jacob DeCola