Wanganui 1 Vessel (Red-Orange) by Brian Russell

Glass is natural, ancient, and beautiful—a symphony of heat, earth, and creativity that has seduced us for centuries. As an art form, there are very few pursuits that can match the history of glassmaking and the ingenuity of glass artists. Generatlly speaking, artists work with glass in two realms: blown glass and cast glass.

Cast glass pieces are created when the artist pours molten glass into molds. There are several variations of this process, but there is at least one constant – unlimited possibilities to create beauty that will catch the light, hold the gaze, and last for lifetimes.

Brian Russell constantly seeks to stretch the boundaries of cast glass creativity. Whether through new processes, or through the creative use of new materials, his work represents the emotional power the medium holds over us. Russell’s &quotlWanganui 1 Vessel" is particularly striking. Created with the "lost wax" technique, it’s one of a limited series in the artist’s studio. The lost wax process refers to a casting technique in which a carved wax model is placed in a container that is then filled with plaster. After the plaster hardens, the container is super-heated to melt and evaporate the wax. The resulting mold is then ready for molten glass. Russell’s deeply resonant work has captured the attention of some well-known collectors like Al Pacino and Robin Wiliams.

Vincent Olmstead’s "The Scotty Goes to France" is another important example of materials and process working together. This one-of-a-kind, sand-cast glass sculpture epitomizes the versatility of both the artist and the medium. Jonathan Winfisky’s "Ming Vessel" is a vibrant marriage of blown and cast glass.

The Scotty Goes to France by Vincent Olmsted

All three of these wonderful pieces are quite durable, as are most works in glass, but a little but of sensible care will preserve your collection of art glass for generations.

When handling glass work, use care —and two hands! Make sure your hands are clean, but don’t wear gloves; your own skin does a much better job of holding onto the smooth surfaces of glass objects. Be sure to avoid lifting by handles, spouts, or other protruding elements.

Should it become necessary to clean pieces in your collection, a little goes along way. First carefully examine the piece (following the handling steps above) to make sure it remains in good condition. Your best bet for removing dirt or dust that may have accumulated is a soft brush. It’s best to avoid using cloth—even a soft one. Cloth can snag on some surfaces and edges.

With a small amount of proper care, your cast glass collection will assume its place in the centuries-old history of our fascination with glass, and remain there for generations.