Pocket Guide -> Media -> Optical lead crystal -> Bouquet of Light
Bouquet of Light
by Christopher Ries · American, born 1952
| Creation Date: | February 2 |
| Media & Support: | Optical lead crystal |
| Dimensions: | 43 3/8 inches high |
| Credit: | Gift of the artist and Schoot Glass Technologies and Museum Purchase, Derby Fund |
Christopher Ries began working in ceramics and hot (blown) glass at Ohio State University (1971–75), before discovering the optical properties of pure glass while working under the legendary Harvey Littleton at the University of Wisconsin (1975 –78). When Ries later discovered a company specializing in the production of optical (extremely pure) glass, he abandoned the techniques of blowing, slumping, and laminating in favor of sculptural techniques: Beginning with a block of solid optical glass, Ries shapes the block with saws and grinders; he polishes the surfaces to perfection and may then engrave the surfaces. As with this work in optical lead crystal, the exteriors are simple, but the refracted and reflected light create complex abstract forms inside the work.
