Steve Klein, Balance 98, 2009
kilnformed, blown, and coldworked glass, 4.875 x 17 x 17 inches installed
Photo: J. Van Fleet
Portland, OR - Bullseye Gallery is pleased to present the colorful and strikingly graphic sculpture of California-based artist Steve Klein. Contemplation, which will be on view from March 31 – May 9, 2009, presents three series of work that differ in inspiration, while each reflecting Klein’s fascination with color, form, and human emotion.
Inspired by abstract expressionist painting, Klein began his “Exploration” series several years ago as a way to understand and depict personal relationships. In this body of work, Klein presents the viewer with a unified and resolved composition of formal elements. Klein notes that, “together with the sensual, alluring reflections that only glass can provide, I introduce a decorative element to somewhat serious situations and observations. … I hope that the viewer will appreciate being in that moment.”
Departing from the ordered structure of the “Exploration” pieces, Klein explains that the ongoing “Balance” series, “addresses the awkward, confusing and at times uncomfortable moments that we experience in life.” With their precarious compositions, “these objects poke fun at those situations and constantly remind me to look for the beauty and positive aspects in every situation.”
Klein’s most recent series, “Holding,” delves into hiss personal realization that “no matter how much we protect what we cherish and love in our lives, we cannot shelter or hold it forever. It is important to me to find what makes sense and what is positive in any circumstance; not to hide, but to embrace and celebrate what is.”
“With this work I seek to provide a moment away,” says Klein, “a very small respite of beauty and solace from the everyday.”
Steve Klein has taught, studied, and shown his art in exhibitions and workshops throughout the US, the UK, Australia, and Taiwan. In both 2005 and 2002, he completed artist residencies at the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington. Klein has been featured in Neues Glas, American Craft and Glass Quarterly publications. His work is a part of the collections of the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, North Lands Creative Glass in Lybster, Scotland, and the Museo del Vidrio in La Granja, Spain.
Download: Steve Klein, March 3, 2009