Art Glass by Leon Applebaum
Sahaj Glass Studio
 Vessels |
| Artist Info: |
Born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1945, Leon Applebaum grew up in what would become the birthplace of American studio glass. While an art student in Toledo, Leons' dream of becoming a high school art teacher was shattered upon enrolling in his first hot glass class. Leon was instantly intrigued by the molten material, resulting in an addiction to working hot glass that would shape and define the rest of his life.Leon completely immersed himself into this newly discovered world of glass. He completed his BFA at the Massachusetts College of Art and then received his MA at Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Although Leon experienced success exhibiting and selling his work as an undergraduate, he sought to further his education beyond what the available universities could offer. In 1973 Leon journeyed across the Atlantic to study the enduring tradition of Swedish Glass forming at the Orrefor's Glass School. There Leon began to explore the the Swedish style of optically thick glass that would influence the future of his work. After a year of studying and working at Boda Glass in Sweden, Leon returned to the U.S. to pursue his MFA in glass from the Rochester Institute of Technology. During this period, Leon was able to synthesize the Swedish glass techniques with his ideas of using the color spectrum and trapping air to create bubbles as a design element that continues to define his work. For the next 25 years Leon has been developing new ideas, techniques, and designs on hot glass. He has taught at RIT and Naples Mill Art School in Naples, N.Y. and conducted workshops throughout the country. Leon Applebaum's work is represented in the permanent collections of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum,Washington D.C., the Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, N.Y. and the AjetoGlass Museum, Novy Bor, Czech Republic, among many others. He shows in many Galleries, nationally and internationally. Leon currently resides with his family in Prattsburgh, N.Y., at Sahaj Glass Studio. In his textured series, Leon uses tools to manipulate the surface of hot glass creating an optically transformed piece. This very non-traditional approach to glass working allows for the exploration of the transparent and reflective qualities of glass. In Leon's contemporary sculpture series, he uses glassblowing as a means, not an end. Leon uses cooled blown pieces that are cut into elemental forms and assembles them using ultraviolet glue. This technical approach offers great freedom to explore and execute ideas that are not possible with hot glass. Leon's sculptures use circular forms reflecting the cyclical nature of life. With eyes toward the future, Leon plans to focus his energy on sculptural glass.
Education:
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| Artist Statement: |
| "The process of blowing glass has been my teacher for the past 30 years. I have developed glass blowing techniques for my work that captivate the fluid energy of hot glass, using fire, air, centrifugal force, gravity, and tools to push and pull the glass. I enjoy exploring the visual dimensions of massive glass and reflective interiors, using transparent colors so that light passes through and brings out the pure beauty and essence of glass." |
| If you like the work by Leon Applebaum, we think you'll also enjoy these artists: |
| Gary Beecham, Michael David & Kit Karbler, Jeffrey P'an. |
Last modified
October 24, 2008.
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