In the world of contemporary glass art, Quebec glass artists are among the best. My intention with this exhibition is to promote Quebec’s contemporary glass artists and their brilliant work on the world stage via the power of the internet while highlighting Montreal as a city of creation, home to world class artists.
The Studio Glass movement has been growing and flourishing since the 1960’s. Here in Montreal we are fortunate to have an excellent school, Espace Verre, which trains and produces some of the most exciting glass artists around. This is a thrilling time for the glass movement in Quebec as artists are being recognized for their important contribution to glass art. Museums, private and public collections continue to acquire glass works, build worthy collections and showcase glass with exhibitions. It is also an exciting time for emerging artists, a new generation of glass creators taking the art form to a whole new level.
I want to share with the collector, the glass enthusiast, with anyone who is captivated by these unique and expressive works; the wonder and magic of 3 dimensional glass sculpture, made in Quebec. I wish to re-acquaint you with artists you already know and introduce you to rising stars.
Coming from a background in dance, what has impressed me most about glass artists is their commitment to practice. They understand and accept the necessity of practice in order to master the various techniques of glass. Much like a dancer or musician, it requires years of dedication to the art form, and it is an ongoing journey. But beyond the technical expertise, it is the combination of planning, drawing, preparation, artistry, surrender and improvisational aspects of producing glass sculpture that is amazing. How glass artists express the outer and the inner worlds of nature and the human experience through glass is awe inspiring. Without trying to sound cliché, working with glass is a metaphor for these artists’ lives.
Montreal, City of Glass is an extraordinary opportunity for all of us to celebrate the vibrant studio glass movement happening here in Quebec. I invite you to discover these fabulous artists and I encourage you to visit the gallery often as the year advances. The artists will add their new creations to the exhibition and share with you past works that deserve to be re-visited.
Together in 2010, let’s Celebrate Quebec’s Contemporary Art Glass and let’s celebrate the city that we love so much, Montreal, City of Glass!
Patricia Gelinas
Curator
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