VONFIRE is honored to present Chad Balster’s first solo exhibition, Pneuma. In this exhibition the artist explores the stoic philosophy of pneuma, (a concept of the “breath of life”, a mixture of the elements air and fire; the inspirational warm breath, in both the cosmos and the body), in relation to the artists journey in life and glass. Come and explore the metaphor of Indra’s Net, the poetry of Herman Hesse’s The Glass Bead Game, and the concept of the chakra through the works and writings of artist Chad Balster.
“Glass undergoes a transformation from solid to liquid : liquid to solid. Throughout the process of making and forming this material a glass artist must also undergo a transformation. One must begin to tune their natural rhythms to the glass, being sympathetic to it. I am excited to be a part of that synthesis of energy and action.”
Chad Balster is a native of Minnesota who moved to Louisville in 2004 to be part of Louisville Glassworks. He was introduced to glass as an exchange student in Germany where he was studying drawing. Seeing Bohemian Glass sparked a sense of awe and curiosity that he pursued while attending the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and then University of Wisconsin. Chad's passion for glass has led him to work in production glassblowing, glass studio construction and the creation of original works of art. For more info, please visit this link for a video about the artist: http://www.vimeo.com/2204416 or his website: http://www.chadbalsterglass.com
Exhibition Dates
Artist Reception: Friday, March 6th 6-9pm (free). Come and meet the artist and learn more about the artists processes in working with glass.
• Artist Talk in VONFIRE Gallery: 6pm
• Glassblowing Demonstration by Chad Balster: 7-8pm
• Hot Shop Party: Firespinning, Glassblowing, and More! 8pm-close
Special “Artist” Tour: Saturdays, February 21st & March 21st at 1pm and 3pm. This tour will give you an in-depth look at the artist’s relationship with glass and will include the following: A guided tour of Glassworks, a special video about the artist, an artist demonstration, and a gallery talk with Mr. Balster himself. Guided tours are $6.50 adults, $5.50 seniors, $4.50 students, call 502.992.3270 for more info.
