Artist Story
“I am fascinated by the art and science of heat and fire and the aesthetic beauty to be discovered in glass. As I approach the kiln after a firing, with the breathless anticipation of a child at Christmas, I cannot wait to lift the lid and see what magic has happened.
“My undergraduate experience at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York was my first exposure to art and architecture. After many years in the homebuilding industry, I came home to my roots and rediscovered art.
“I began my art career with metal sculpture and was juried into several shows. As a lark, I attended a glass fusion workshop and had an epiphany. I was blown away by the meticulous process, the variations and opportunities in design, and the vibrant color properties of glass. Both processes have a similarity, heat and cold. Many of the metal techniques and sensitivities I developed have overlapped and informed my glass art. Most of my technique has been self-taught.”
Richard’s work speaks for his passion for art glass. He captures the fluidity of glass in its molten state. His bowls and platters are at once both captivating and utilitarian. Wide polished rims, curving color bands, and bold use of color stamp Richard’s signature on his art.
Technique
Starting with a color palette which appeals to him, Richard thoughtfully chooses a layout. He then dams the shape in the kiln and fires the piece the first time. When he opens the kiln, he lets the piece speak to him. It may take as many as 4-5 additional firings and cold work to create the final piece.
Education and Training
- Pratt Institute – Brooklyn, New York
- Adelphi University – Garden City, L.I., New York
- Wake Tech Community College -Welding, Raleigh, NC -2003-2004
- Norm Campean Jr., Metal Shaping Workshop – 2005
- Betty Helen Longhi, Metal Forming Workshop – 2006
- Central Carolina Community College-Design and Metal Sculpture, Sanford, NC
- Wake Tech Community College-Machining Technology, Raleigh, NC -2007-2008
- Buyers Market of America, Visiting Artist Program, Baltimore, MD – 2010
- SlumpFest 2012, Patty Gray, Fusing Techniques Workshop -2012
- Buyers Market of America, Visiting Artist Program, Philadelphia, PA – 2013
- Robin Kittleson, Custom Colors & Dilution Workshop-2013
Exhibits
- Durham Art Guild Annual Member Exhibition, Durham Arts Council, Durham NC – 2007
- North Carolina Community CollegeAnnual Juried Art Exhibit, Raleigh NC – 2007
- North Carolina Community CollegeAnnual Juried Art Exhibit, Raleigh NC – 2008
- 53rdAnnual Juried Art Show, Durham Art Guild, Durham Arts Council, Durham NC – 2008
- Fine Arts League of Cary, 14th Annual JuriedFine Art Exhibition, Cary NC – 2008
- Fine Arts League of Cary, 15th Annual JuriedFine Art Exhibition, Cary NC – 2009
- Raleigh Fine Arts Society, JuriedNorth Carolina Artist Exhibition, Raleigh NC – 2010
- Carolina’s Got Art ! 2010Juried Art Show, Charlotte, NC – 2010
- Fine Arts League of Cary, FALC Juried Painting and Sculpture, Cary NC – 2011
- Old Time Winter Festival, Juried, Cary NC – 2012
- Spring Daze Festival, Juried, Cary NC – 2013
- 44th Annual Fine Designer Juried Craft Show, Carolina Designer Craftsmen Guild, Raleigh, NC – 2013
- Old Time Winter Festival, Juried, Cary NC – 2013
- Spring Daze Festival, Juried, Cary, NC – 2014
- Sanford Arts and Vine Festival, Juried, D.A.Wicker Civic Center, Sanford NC – 2014
- Lazy Daze Arts and Craft Festival, Juried , Cary NC – 2014