Shelley Muzylowski Allen

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“By suspending figures in moments of tension, recalling myths and legends through animal forms, I hope to convey a place that different species have occupied over time.

From the long and storied history of the horse, to medieval tapestries depicting the lure of the unicorn, and to the miniature sculptural tradition of the Japanese Netsuke, animals have been associated with magic, legend, divinity and mythology. As symbols or icons of eras and cultures around the world, it is important that I capture the inherent nature of these creatures in my work reflecting not just my own insights and, but inspiring an emotional experience and connection in the viewer.

To balance the dynamics of working in the glass hot shop, I spend time observing and drawing my natural surrounding. Trained as a painter, I use rich textures and understated colors to add depth to the sculpture being made and strive to bring the lushness of oil paint to this dynamic medium. Once cooled, I augment the glass with natural materials such as horsehair, leather, and stone. Their surfaces contrast with the blown, sculpted glass and enrich all of the materials’ inherent beauty.”