Émile Gallé: The Forgotten Art Nouveau Master

 

 

Art Nouveau was at its peak from 1890-1910. The style reigned in art, architecture, furniture and even clothing. It was a means of bringing nature, especially abstract versions of plants and floral, into sinuous and flowing motifs. One of the art forms that thrived during that time was glass as a medium. It lead to a resurgence of stained glass as well as appreciation for blown glass and molded glass.

There are some names known for the beauty and innovation of their glass works such as Lalique and Tiffany. Yet, there were others who created equally beautiful glass objects, but whose names have not continued into the 20th century and beyond. Among that group is Émile Gallé (1846-1904), This is in spite of his reputation as one of the most innovative Art Nouveau glass designers.  

Gallé's innovations included such techniques as glass marquetry and patinated glass (the latter technique he patented).

He also experimented with inorganic compounds and metals to create new colors - many adopted into common usage by other glass makers.

 

His glass works were considered to be the finest glassware on the market with their beautiful forms, rich color and inspired decoration. Today, if you are in Nancy, France, be sure to view the 400 pieces of his glass works and ceramics at the Musée de l'École de Nancy.

 

 

 

One last thing: Gallé's talent wasn't limited to glass, he also created beauty in ceramics and furniture. Perhaps topics for another time... Next week: His interns who became famous for Art Deco glass works.           

 

 

 

Master Weavers - of Glass!

A few years ago, I saw a dish that was woven from glass. I couldn't help but wonder aloud how it was done. The memory of that beautiful dish stayed in my mind's eye.

Then, earlier this year, I was stunned by a photo of an entire kimono created with woven glass! My interest in how this was done and who was doing these masterful works grew.

Of course, there were methods described on various sites, but none were anything like the finest, thinnest glass strips I'd seen shaped into the beautiful and colorful art pieces. As I dug deeper into the question of "how," I found out that these are closely-guarded glass artist techniques. What I did find out how painstaking this work is. Some pieces can take 3-4 months to complete.

Then there was the question of "who" were the masters? I found three - including the kimono makers. There is Paula Marksbury, who makes beautiful dishes. (She's in her largest kiln)

 

For draping glass, look no further than William Zweifel

Lastly, there's the team of Eric Markow and Thom Norris who not only create kimonos, but also origami birds, skulls, and a 7-foot cactus.

Gives a whole new concept to "weaving" agreed?