2223 press release

Earthscapes : Glass Vessel Series on Exhibit by Bay Area Artist Jay Bridgland

March 11 - June 11 2004
Artists reception March 11 5:30 pm- 7:00pm
Exhibiting at 2223 Restaurant , 2223 Market St., San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, CA - Jay Bridgland debuts his new series of handblown glass sculptures at 2223 Restaurant, opening on Thursday 11th March.

Earthscapes are a series of hand blown hard glass vessels made with coiled and blended color with depictions of landscapes such as sunsets, sunrises , deserts and ocean storms.

These vessels are made in front of a powerful torch with temperatures of 2200 degrees using hand coiled, spun and blown borosilicate color rods . The glass is used to create shape, depth and form as in a three dimensional painting. This ancient method of coiling and blending of multiple colors provides layers and depth to the pieces. The vessels can range from those containing dynamic, fluid swirls of intense, bright color and shape to others with more muted, reflective and subtle tones. These layers of solid and transparent colors are built so as to give multi-dimensional depth to the image. The incorporation of metal stands and wall mounts take the concept one step further into mixed media.

Bridgland's inspiration comes from natures' color of the sky at that time of day where the sun levels with our horizon. "I can remember as a young child in Spain watching the sun set to a black mountainous backdrop. The orange, reds and purples were so vivid and intense I could hardly believe my eyes. This memory has stuck with me through today. This series gives me an opportunity to reflect on those magical moments that are captured for an instant and then gone forever. For me each vessel represents a suspended moment in time."

"I have always been inspired by the ancient techniques of glass vessel making. The work I do stems from a rich tradition of glass flameworkers and techniques, dating far back in time. I seek wisdom through creative drive. I believe the creation of art and expressionism is the link between spirituality and evolution of our human existence."

Bridgland has been torchworking borosilicate glass since 1993. He designs and produces conceptual sculptures and commissioned works out of his studio in Emeryville, CA. Currently the head of the glass flamework dept at The Crucible in Oakland, CA, Bridgland has been recently featured on Evening Magazine, and ABC news with his involvement with The Crucible's recent fire opera performance.

Jay Bridgland can be contacted through his website: www.bridglandstudios.com
or by calling Bridgland Studios at (510) 985-1019.
2223 Restaurant can be reached at (415) 431 0692 or www.2223restaurant.com