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Seekers®
Glass Gallery presents the work of Dennis K. Mullen, whose original
designs in handblown glass are distinguished by vivid hues and random patterns
found in nature.
The artist’s Serpentine Series of
platters are distinguished by intense, saturated colors and a unique marbling
pattern that yields visually stunning, elliptical pieces, some resembling
polished stone.
Dennis started his career in glass working with
American glass master Robin Mix. In 1984, he went to
Copenhagen
,
Denmark
for two years to study with premier Danish designers Darryl Heinz and Anja
Kjaer. While there, he taught glassblowing and gave demonstrations on the
beautiful
Danish
Island
of
Bornholm
.
Sweden
came next, where Dennis studied with Arthur Zirnsack and Hanna Dreutler, former
Glass Master and Glass Designer at Kosta Boda, respectively.
While in
Scandinavia
, Dennis developed his philosophy of glassmaking: Form and function with the
focus on clean lines.
In 1988, the artist moved to
Seattle
to work in various studios, and continued to develop his own style. In 1994,
Dennis co-founded his own studio, Uptown Glassworks in a 100-year-old former bus
barn.
“The creative urge grows. Being settled in
one studio now affords me the opportunity to reach my perceived full potential
– so onward and upward I go,” he explains. “In all my endeavors, I share
my love for glass with others, while taking pride and great pleasure in all I
create. My creative urges are constantly growing, developing and changing –
there is so much more to come.”
A recent source of accomplishment for Dennis
was the installation of a glassblowing studio at
Sammamish
High School
, near his studio. This is only the third High School program of its kind in the
United States
. Students take glassblowing as an elective class, while enjoying one of the
most ancient art forms on earth. Dennis is proud that he has been able to make
this dream a reality for so many young people.
“In 1997, I was honored to be one of a few
glass artists, chosen from around the country, to design and create special
ornaments that hung on the Blue Room Christmas Tree in the White House,” says
Dennis.
Also in 1997, Dennis was commissioned by the
City of Renton, Washington, to create a glass and steel art installation
sculpture to welcome visitors to the city.
Dennis Mullen’s work has been shown at many
major galleries, museums and juried exhibitions throughout the
United States
and
Europe
.
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