2020. My projects.

In 2020, I engaged in my projects at the studio for people with mental health challenges. Despite the pandemic and lockdowns, I managed to create several pieces. Additionally, in 2020, mentally prepared again, I set up my workshop at home.

The Medieval City, crafted in 2020, is my sixth work using woodcuts from the Nuremberg Chronicles—one of the first printed books in 1493. It turned out to be a very beautiful piece of artistic glass.

The Alien Cat project is my interpretation of Yayoi Kusama's Cat Self-Portrait. I altered the color scheme and changed the background. Unfortunately, the work didn't turn out as intended— there is a dark spot on the face of the Cat at the center of the glass. Nevertheless, the piece is very delicate and beautiful. The first Cat exploded in the kiln in 2019; this is my second attempt in 2020, and in 2021, I successfully fused the "Alien Cat (Attempt #3)."

My work Geisha is my interpretation of Vincent van Gogh's "Courtesan (1887)," which he painted based on an image by Eisen. I altered the color of the kimono in my version.

In 2020, I created two glass renditions of Dürer's Rhinoceros. These are substantial works measuring 33x43 cm. They were highly intricate pieces that demanded my full commitment. I had dreamt of crafting Rhinoceroses, drawn to the blend of 1515-2020. Dürer created his Rhinoceros in 1515. The first Rhino, Rhino #1, came with imperfections—I struggled to capture the desired essence and thought I might not succeed. However, as I continued working, my hand grew more refined. I shared the process in a post titled Glass Herd of Dürer's Rhinos, and there's a video in English and Russian with subtitles where I narrated the story behind the creation of my Glass Herd.

Rhino-girl #2 is the most intricate project I have ever undertaken. I wanted to see how the Garnet Red pattern would look on a Lavender background. However, Garnet Red acquires its color at high temperatures, making it barely visible during the process. It only becomes apparent as the powder dries and turns pale. I worked incredibly diligently, almost blind to the actual progress. But my Rhino-girl fused perfectly. The piece has a mirrored surface and looks incredibly beautiful.

I created two plates from multicolored coarse frit and named them Star and Galaxy.

 

Ways of imagination.

Ways of imagination (inspired by A.Durer's woodcut "Rhinoceros", 1515).

2012. Mosaic glass on glass. 91 x 61 cm 

Genius Albrecht Durer made his drawing of the Rhinoceros in 1515 based on a verbal descriptions. He has never seen a real Rhinoceros. He was curious. 

This image of the Rhino has been famous for almost 500 hundred years now, and has inspired many other artworks including the beautiful sculpture of the Rhino made by Salvador Dali.

I used his drawing as a base for my own study of human imagination.  What makes the story in this mosaic? What do you see in this mosaic?

Is this a baby Rhino or a strong and mighty adult warrior?  Do you see aggression, joy or curiosity? A pool of blood or … cranberry juice from the bamboo forest? Is it just a curious animal smelling something red or a champion looking at the blood after a colossal fight? Is the Rhino wearing a strong shield or a fuzzy sweater made by the Rhino’s grandma?

The central part of the composition is the Rhino, no doubt about that. But for story behind the piece, you have to change your perspective and start from the bottom corner…

It is amazing how one small piece of unique red and green glass can change the whole story. Depending on the interpretation of the red puddle, you can imagine completely different things. It is amazing how one piece of glass or one little touch can adjust your feelings and will make you smile or frown.

Durer said in his work that the Rhino’s skin resembles a turtle’s shell and that the Rhino is a very joyful animal. These thoughts pushed me to wonder which colors Durer would use for this mighty piece.

  

Unique and rare glass was used in this mosaic. Some of the glass is out of production and is nowhere to be found today. This work is a tribute to the beauty of stained glass, to the genius of Durer and to the intricacy of human imagination.

UPD. 28.06.2021 Glass Herd of Durer's Rhinos. 2020-2021+2012 - here