Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass
Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass presents a 50-year retrospective of one of the most innovative glass artists of our time. Based in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, Josh Simpson has long been captivated by the fickle properties and phenomenal possibilities of red-hot molten glass. Largely self-taught, Simpson鈥檚 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 connection between art and science runs deep for Simpson, who sources inspiration from nature, the night sky, and the universe beyond. Featured prominently in this exhibition are glass works that reflect the artist鈥檚 interest in cosmology and astronomy. For instance, Simpson鈥檚 glass planets were inspired by the Apollo astronauts鈥� description of seeing the Earth 鈥渉anging like a blue marble in space.鈥� Other objects mimic the luminous interior found in tektites, objects that result from meteorites hitting the Earth.
Central to all of Simpson鈥檚 work is his talent, curiosity, and appetite for exploration. Drawn from the artist鈥檚 archives, the Springfield Museums鈥� holdings, and from private collections, this exhibition showcases the expansive range of Simpsons鈥� vision in the form of planets, platters, vessels, goblets, sculptures, copper baskets, and unique surprises. The display also includes new work, nodding to the artist鈥檚 ongoing quest to expand the boundaries of his medium. A catalogue detailing Simpson鈥檚 artistic journey will be available for purchase.
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Josh Simpson: Visionary Explorations in Glass presents a 50-year retrospective of one of the most innovative glass artists of our time. Based in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts, Josh Simpson has long been captivated by the fickle properties and phenomenal possibilities of red-hot molten glass. Largely self-taught, Simpson鈥檚 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 connection between art and science runs deep for Simpson, who sources inspiration from nature, the night sky, and the universe beyond. Featured prominently in this exhibition are glass works that reflect the artist鈥檚 interest in cosmology and astronomy. For instance, Simpson鈥檚 glass planets were inspired by the Apollo astronauts鈥� description of seeing the Earth 鈥渉anging like a blue marble in space.鈥� Other objects mimic the luminous interior found in tektites, objects that result from meteorites hitting the Earth.
Central to all of Simpson鈥檚 work is his talent, curiosity, and appetite for exploration. Drawn from the artist鈥檚 archives, the Springfield Museums鈥� holdings, and from private collections, this exhibition showcases the expansive range of Simpsons鈥� vision in the form of planets, platters, vessels, goblets, sculptures, copper baskets, and unique surprises. The display also includes new work, nodding to the artist鈥檚 ongoing quest to expand the boundaries of his medium. A catalogue detailing Simpson鈥檚 artistic journey will be available for purchase.
Artists on show
