The Traver Gallery is presenting a solo exhibition of new work by Seattle glass artist Ethan Stern. The show includes a selection of the artist’s weighty, often asymmetrical abstract sculptures. Adorned by patterns and markings reminiscent of topographic maps and the outlines of continents, Stern’s new sculptures hint at the motifs of exploration and discovery.
Stern surveys the surfaces of his objects, and like a stone or wood carver, he engages in a dialogue with his forms as he cuts them, allowing imagery that seems to have always existed inside the multiple layers of glass to emerge from within. Unlike a stone or wood carver, however, Ethan himself made the objects he is examining. Because he is both the creator and the explorer of the forms, each piece is a journey of self-exploration, reflection and acceptance.
Ethan SternRED MOLT, 2008
WTG# 23420
Blown and Carved Glass
19"h x 11"w x 3"d
Courtesy Traver Gallery, Seattle
Ethan SternWHITE RANG, 2008
WTG# 23409
Blown and Carved Glass
9"h x 23"w x 3"d
Courtesy Traver Gallery, Seattle
Ethan SternMASK, 2006
WTG# 21493
Blown and Carved Glass
24"h x 10"w x 6"d
Courtesy Traver Gallery, Seattle
Ethan SternGREY CULVERT, 2008
WTG# 23422
Blown and Carved Glass
15?h x 11?w x 2?d
Courtesy Traver Gallery, Seattle
Ethan SternGREEN ISLET, 2007
WTG# 22454
Blown and Carved Glass
24.5"h x 12"w x 3.5"d
Courtesy Traver Gallery, Seattle
The work presented in Marked displays the sensitivity and inquisitiveness that we have come to expect from Ethan Stern, yet it also demonstrates a deeper, more sophisticated understanding of form, color and texture. His artistic journey has brought him to a place where he is able use these qualities to create a sense of equilibrium in forms he has purposely designed to rest precariously. Ethan’s new work displays a sense of wisdom, maturity, and self-confidence – and represents an exciting step forward in the career of a talented young artist.
Ethan Stern studied ceramics at TAFE College of Ceramics in Brisbane, Australia before earning his BFA from Alfred University in 2001. He has since completed artist residencies at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Tennessee, the University of Wisconsin at Madison, the University of Texas at Arlington, the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary and the Creative Glass Center at Wheaton Village in New Jersey. His work has been shown in gallery exhibitions throughout the United States, and was recently included in the prestigious “Young Glass” exhibition mounted by the Ebeltoft Glass Museum in Denmark. Ethan lives and works in Seattle, where he recently established his own cold working studio.
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Ethan Stern
August 8 - Augsut 31, 2008
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5
Traver Gallery
110 Union Street, Ste. 200
Seattle, WA 98101
206.587.6501
For additional information visit the Traver Gallery website:
http://www.travergallery.com/
