McKINNEY, TEXAS -- Inspired by the recent economic downturn and the need to efficiently recycle readily available material in pursuit of his artistic expression, Brad Abrams responds with a new body of work and coins the term "B-Disks" for his monolithic kiln-cast glass sculptures on exhibit at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios beginning June 12.
The name "B-Disk" is derived from bi disks, i.e. round, flat ritual artifacts with a small hole in the middle appearing in ancient Chinese glass from the late Neolithic period to 3rd century AD. Throughout history, the coin has been a symbol of wealth and currency for trade.
Abrams' B-Disk series, produced over the last two years, transforms industrial waste glass into a variation of these ancient coin-like forms on a large scale, creating his own objects of value using his signature imagery by layering texture and color into the recycled glass. Like a rare ancient coin, each has its own character and charm. Some are dark and mysterious, others light and reflective. The resulting new series unveils work that is simple in design with a seemingly Zen-like or meditative quality.
Working out of his East Dallas studio for nearly 20 years, Abrams, born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1965, received his formal education in glass and ceramics at the California College of the Arts studying under Marvin Lipofsky. He was further influenced under the tutelage of the late American ceramicist, Viola Frey (1933-2004). Her guidance is seen in Abrams' work to this day. Abrams credits both mentors, in addition to being raised by an artisan mother and a metallurgist father, as major influences on his thought processes as well as his inventiveness in choosing glass as his primary medium.
Uncirculated - Brad Abrams opening night is Saturday, June 12th 7-10pm. Through July 7 at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios, 107 S Tennessee in historic downtown McKinney, Texas. Hours: Mon-Sat 1-5pm or by appointment.
Free admission. 214-914-3630. www.lauramooreart.com.
Laura Moore Fine Art Studios
107 S Tennessee
McKinney, Texas 75069
laura@lauramooreart.com
www.lauramooreart.com
214.914.3630