February 2009
Winter Illuminations
We’re lighting up the gallery this month with a brilliant double exhibit of artistic lighting to brighten up your late winter doldrums.
"Glass Lamp" by Steve Cornett
Steven Cornett presents his latest creations of exquisite hand blown glass lanterns. In this new series of lamps, Steven has “infused the life of the fire into each finished piece. By adding light to traditional vessel shapes, I feel the spirit of the process is reclaimed.”
Steven Cornett has been working with glass since 1989, when he took his first glassblowing class. “From the moment I first saw glass being blown, I was mesmerized by its molten glow. The process drew me in, igniting what has become a twenty year passion for glass. I have always been fascinated by the life that each piece exudes when it is aglow, and have long tried to capture that essence.” Steven is the owner of Chicken Scratch Glass, based here in Ashland.
Lam Quang and Kestrel Gates of HiiH Lights in Portland display their uniquely expressive paper light sculptures. This husband-wife team work together from concept and design, “beginning with natural raw materials, using both traditional and self-taught techniques, we create illuminated paper forms. The rhythms of paper-making, bending wire and papering, painting and waxing, shape our days and weeks.”
"Tongue Flower" by HiiH Lights
Lam and Kestrel’s work is inspired by the natural world and draws from an Asian aesthetic. Lam, originally from Vietnam, began making paper 10 years ago, inspired by childhood memories of moon festivals. Their designs are seen in commercial and residential settings throughout the country. You can visit them at HiiH Gallery in Portland.