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Seekers Glass Gallery presents the work of Ed Branson, whose
original designs in handblown glass are distinguished by elegant, fluid shapes
and jewel-like colors.
Working alone, Branson creates one of a kind vessels that have
the sense of movement associated with glass in its molten state.
"In my work I try to combine the most precise
glassblowing skills with the freedom of motion of hot liquid glass, which I
achieve by dipping, dripping and pouring the glass," explains Branson.
Most of his pieces are executed in a single transparent color,
which is then cased over with clear crystal for added depth and brilliance. By
manipulating the glass while it is hot, he is able to create graceful, organic
shapes that mirror natural forms.
Branson’s exciting new Tropical series are tall,
sensual forms in brilliant tropical colors, suggesting giant rainforest flowers.
The Tropical pieces differ from the artist’s other work in that they
are opaque glass featuring unique color combinations.
Tendrils that run from top to bottom distinguish his Vines
vases and perfume vials. His largescale Arbor Series of vases and
bowls suggest stately trees, with their massive roots executed in clear crystal.
His limited River Vessel series features one continuous ribbon of
glass wrapped around a blown vessel form.
Branson attended two of the country’s leading glass schools,
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine and the Pilchuck School of Glass in
Washington State. He has worked as a glass artist since 1981 and prior to
forming his own studio in 1987 he worked as an assistant to glass artist Josh
Simpson.
In 1992 his work was one of 100 selected from thousands of
international entries for inclusion in the prestigious New Glass Review XIII,
published by the Corning Museum of Glass.
His work is included in numerous collections, including those
of Mrs. Anwar Sadat and Scotland’s Holyrood Palace and has been shown in major
galleries, museums and juried exhibitions throughout the United States.
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