POPULAR POSTS FROM 2011
I’m republishing some of the most popular blog posts from 2011.
This post originally published December 5, 2011
Today I am looking at the new colorful windows created by glass artist, Guy Kemper. The windows are located at the Department of Enterprise Services building in Olympia, Washington. Guy Kemper is one of my favorite glass artists and he certainly does not disappoint with this project.
According to Guy, “These windows were extremely difficult to make and are the most technically complicated work I have ever done. I consider them a crowning achievement in my catalog.” I agree with Guy, these windows are beautiful and each project Guy creates just gets better and better.
The colored flash of base layers has been sandblasted away for overlying shapes to be laminated on top. These pieces have also been sandblasted and enameled and had more pieces of glass laminated to them. In all, there are six surfaces, or layers, of treatment in the two larger works.
Secret Garden
Secret Garden, Guy Kemper
Main Floor Lobby Secret Garden is a bug’s-eye view of one’s lawn. The blades of grass are thirteen feet tall. There are dew splatters, spider webs and small flowers, making a dense, three-dimensional fabric. The grass is shades of green and blue, the richly textured background is peach, the splatters of dew are white and soft grey-blue and the flowers are red and pink.
This is an arresting work that gives a warm welcome to those entering the building.
Secret Garden, Guy Kemper
Stellar Wind
Mezzanine Stellar Wind is directly above Secret Gardenon the mezzanine level.
Stellar Wind, Guy Kemper
Whereas Secret Garden is very earthbound, Stellar Wind is more celestial, recalling an intergalactic shoot-out from Star Wars. It has streaks of dark and grey violet-blues that are suggestive of comets, floating feathers, or overhanging trees. Small, shaded and textured green dots are scattered across the surface to add contrast and visual interest. The chaotic foreground is in tension with the peaceful, sunset tones of the background.
Stellar Wind, Guy Kemper
For Laurel
Niche window At the end of a long hallway off the lobby, For Laurel recalls fresh cut flowers and the mood of Springtime. The yellow background suggests early Spring light, the chartreuse tendrils speak of new growth, and the black lines are the old branches of winter. Red and violet splashes give the feeling of Spring bursting forth.
For Laurel, Guy Kemper
I named it after my daughter Laurel, my most beautiful creation. The two of us were watercolor painting and chatting together when I painted the work.
For Laurel, Guy Kemper
