Artist: Wes Koon, Master Craftsman

Craft Medium:  Glass Artist's Statement: Artist’s Statement The body of my work consists of various cold-working techniques applied to a variety of types of glass including, but not limited to, laminating, beveling, polishing, sandblasting, and glue chipping. The majority of the pieces that I produce are freestanding sculptures on glass or stone bases. Each piece is individually hand made and crafted thereby making it totally different from any other piece. Like many artists, my interest in glass began as a hobby and has progressed over the past thirty plus years to the point where it is my profession as well as my primary manner of expression. I have explored many aspects of working with glass and have become proficient in the required techniques to insure the maximum quality in design and execution. Since the very beginning I have drawn extensively on my background in the biological sciences for inspiration and designs to be translated into the glass. As my skills have improved and new ones are learned or experimented with, I am finding additional ways of expressing my ideas and feelings. The best example of this can be exhibited in my most recent body of work. Lamination, beveling and polishing of the raw glass have given me more areas in which to experiment and be creative. Glass is an exciting medium to work in for me for several reasons. It represents a paradox by being so hard or rigid yet being so fragile. I am still amazed at the interplay of light with glass and how glass can be used to manipulate the light to achieve desired effects. It will always be a fascinating experience for me.