Art Glass by Michael David & Kit Karbler

Michael David and Kit Karbler's original designs are achieved by layering, threading, cutting and polishing handblown glass into prismatic forms. Their works are distinguished by thin, concentric lines of colored glass, in gem-like hues, immobilized in clear crystal. Entire contents © Copyright NJM Gallery.

For David and Karbler, altering the perception of glass as a functional medium is a common theme. A perfectly shaped vase, a bowl or plate will have sides completely cut away, thus eliminating any possibility of utility and transforming the object into a purely sculptural form. Each piece begins as a handblown form. After cooling and annealing, elaborate facets are cut with a diamond saw, then polished to reveal interior layers of color.

Many of their larger collaborative pieces have evolved into mixed media sculptures utilizing metal, stone and handblown glass elements.

Each piece is a collaborative effort, signed by each artist and numbered. David and Karbler have worked together since 1980, in partnership with Miguel Guzmán.

• Corning Museum of Glass
• Denver Art Museum
• Royal Ontario Museum
• Colorado Springs Fine Art Center
• Kjarvalsstadir Museum: Reykjavik