Neal Drobnis
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NEAL DROBNIS — My creative efforts start with drawings, which are often influenced by historic research. Then I carve, and assemble templates that become a three dimensional palette. These shapes are pressed into specially prepared sand, to create a mold for glass casting. Molten glass is cast off a blown form into the mold. The piece is cooled and removed from the mold, in the process destroying the mold. When the loose sand is removed it leaves a wonderful granular texture on the cast portion. The pieces are then reheated some are reshaped at this point to give a sense of the fluid nature of the material well others the molded shapes are maintained to create a more ridged form.
The pieces from this point on are guided by an “in the moment” response to the material and environment. The results are a contrast between the predefined notions of casting and the expressionist possibilities of glass blowing.
My pieces draw on a multitude of sources including the visual language of architecture, the human figure, and cultural iconography. I often find new ideas in museums of ancient artifacts as well as books, magazines, and travel experiences. Taking from many sources, shaking them up and putting them together to make them my own. The goal is to create ultra modern artifacts, individual objects that can enhances the living environment, questioning preconceived notions of material and time. I am drawn to the glass medium because the fluidity makes it an expressionist art form, transparency brings the colors to life, and the contrasts between textures enhances the perception of rough and smooth surfaces. These are many of the qualities I feel within my being and the artistic process is the way to share my appreciation of the human drama of this our short time on earth.
Bio
Neal Drobnis (Blown & Cast Glass Sculpture): "My sculpture combines the processes of glassblowing and casting. In this exacting and action-packed physical drama, carved and assembled templates are pressed into the sand to create a mold, released and then manipulated. I use the vessel form to establish a contrast between interior and exterior surfaces: the former is a showcase for the depth and intricacies of the casting, while the latter offers a transition from the earthy texture of the sand to the polished lip of the piece." Neal Drobnis’ work is inspired by nature and ancient artifacts. It is a true combination of the cast and blown glass technique.
Templates are carved and assembled then pressed into sand to create a mold. Molten glass is then blown into the mold, the piece is cooled and the loose sand is removed leaving a wonderful grandular texture. The piece is then reheated and additional blowing is done to produce a contrasting smooth shiny finish on the upper portion of the finished work. "My first experience with geos was as a young boy in rock collecting with my brother. We found these round rocks that on the outside are plain but when broken open they were beautiful crystals on the inside. This discovery had a tremendous impact on me, it was the initial inspiration behind my work."
Drobnis recieved his BFA from Massachusetts College of Art, where he studied under Dan Dailey and Alan Klein. He also received an MFA from Rhode Island School of Design, where he was commissioned to create their alumni awards. His work is in the permanent collections of the RISD Museum and Pilchuck School of Glass, as well as in galleries in Germany, Hong Kong, Tokyo and throughout the U.S.
