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Galle Series Vase)
Large AstroFan)
AstroFanAt age 14, Sam was already studying glass in the first program such program for young students. He hasn"t stopped learning since then. Working with Michael Taylor, Sam helped develop the glass program at the Peabody College for Teachers, and then assisted in rebuilding the studio at Idaho College while pursuing academic interests. He built his first independent studio on the island of Nantucket in 1987, and then moved to Crested Butte, Colorado. While serving as a studio assistant at Penland Crafts School, Penland, NC, he became enamored of the Western North Carolina mountains. In 1994, he moved to Asheville and started Stark Art Glass. Sam is inspired by the great masters of glass history and has sought opportunities to work with and learn from modern masters, including Loradano Rosin, Lino Tagliapietra, Finn Lynggaard, and Willy Anderson.
Sam"s work is characterized by fluidity, superb technique and a masterful use of color. Recently, he has become intrigued with folded vase forms (as in his Astros Fans series), while continuing to work on more-and less-traditional pieces. Some works include metal components, and many mix media in intriguing ways. His most personal work is based on his studies of the great glass masters; he attempts to recreate their works so as to "gain the insight of the moment they created the techniques that have shaped the world of glass." Sam describes glassblowers as "the bullfighters of the art world. Each day we stand before the great beast to face our fears. With strength, agility, and sheer will we tame the beast into our creation. Each day is a contest between man and fire."
