Description

River Walk

River Walk is a landscape vase by Adam Aaronson, made in his studio in West Horsley. This complex, freeblown glass sculptural vessel is a triumph of composition. The surface is fired with pure silver leaf and textured coloured glass. This creates a dramatic, shimmering perspective.

Inspiration

“The ceaseless mutability of light on the landscape, the sky and on water inspires me and I am fascinated by horizons. I am always looking at the vanishing point where the land merges with the sky. Glass is the ideal medium to express this idea of continual change since its properties are inherently mutable, not only in its molten state but also in the way the play of light creates endless nuances in the finished piece”.

When asked what makes one of his landscape bowls different from landscapes made by other glass artists, Adam replied

“Every artist has their own thumbprint and that’s what makes your work recognisable. Importantly the more your work develops, the more you can develop and hone your own style. I think that I approach glass from a different perspective, and perhaps that’s why some people have commented that my glass doesn’t always look like glass!”

Technique

Firstly, Adam chooses a palette of powdered glass colours. Secondly, he lays them out so he can use these to reflect a landscape that he finds inspiring.

He applies layers of pure silver leaf, delicately adding the powdered colour, to create a soft luminosity. Importantly, at this point the silver becomes a canvas, because the colours will melt onto it. This helps to create the effects of light reflecting on seascapes or forest scenes, or perhaps a change in the seasons or dramatic skies.

The colours melt into the surface by a process of heating and reheating and this builds up unique tones and texture.

River walk is a classical form shimmering with luminosity. However, the reflections will change depending on where you place it. It doesn’t require special lighting. Of course, you don’t need it, but you may find that you cannot live without it!