Half century of blowing glass show

SPRINGFIELD, MA (PNAN) – On viewing at the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, “Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass” runs through January 15, 2023.

This 50-year retrospective of one of the most innovative glass artists of our time. Simpson has long been captivated by the fickle properties and phenomenal possibilities of red-hot molten glass. Largely self-taught, his artistic vision marries groundbreaking techniques with new forms and materials and his intrepid experimentations have resulted in advances in the chemistry and artistry of glass.

     The exhibition showcases the expansive range of his vision in the form of planets, platters, vessels, goblets, sculptures, copper baskets, unique surprises, including new work, nodding to the artist’s ongoing quest to expand the boundaries of his medium. The connection between art and science runs deep for Glassblower Simpson, who sources inspiration from nature, the night sky and the universe beyond.

Featured are glass works that reflect the artist’s interest in cosmology and astronomy. For instance, Simpson’s glass planets were inspired by the Apollo astronauts’ description of seeing the Earth “hanging like a blue marble in space.” Other objects mimic the luminous interior found in tektites, objects that result from meteorites hitting the Earth.

For more information, www.springfieldmuseums.org.