Willi Haye
Artist Statement
I am a cast glass artist who is inspired by the abstract work in part by the abstract paintings of my parents and others, as well as from nature. I have always been intrigued by different qualities of light, starting with my photography. I discovered glass casting was perfect for playing with light.
I typically sketch out my design and mull it over while considering light and color. Then I create a model in either clay or foam, until I think it is finished. I take photos, review the photographs, ponder over changes, and try to visualize the design in my mind with glass color choices which are affected by the density of the design, and how it will look in the light. The photos allow me to see what I have created in a different way. Light is crucial in my work as I visualize how it can be directed through and inside a piece of sculpture to create luminous reflections. Sometimes it is a smooth visual transition created by straight lines into the glass. Other times, the design allow one's eyes to move around for a few moments inside the glass, absorbing the colors that are changed by the light depending on the color and density of the sculpture.
Then a high fire investment mold is created, the volume of glass is determined and fired in the kiln for multiple days. The mold is then divested and the difficult work of coldworking or grinding and polishing to complete the work begins.
Although line, color, space and shape, share great importance in a piece of my work, in my mind, light is instrumental in contributing to the mood of a piece of my cast glass. My sculptures often explore the manipulation of light by combining my glass casting techniques with inner manipulation of the glass prior to casting in the kiln to create my end results.
Inspiration
My art comes from within, but it is also the result of a variety of life experiences and outside influences. Although some of my glass castings are representational, they are more about exploration of color, form, and design. Creating my glass castings and exploring the visual dimension of glass has been an endless series of ongoing discoveries that fill my life with joy.
