TODD MARTIN has been creating art by working glass in a flame or "lampworking" since 1996. He was first drawn to glass as an art form when he visited an exhibit in Birmingham, Alabama."What I saw was so foreign to me and so unexpected." He decided to forego his other career plans and to immerse himself instead in the intensive study of glass. As a completely self-taught artist, Martin says, "It took a lot of experimenting but that time was so exciting. It was undeniable that I had found my passion. It consumed me." Unlike other substances, glass cannot be categorized easily. It is actually a liquid that has been "frozen" in place, only appearing solid. The artist must masterfully facilitate the relationship between the flame and the properties of the glass. "There is so much more going on than what meets the eye. I think that's why I am so taken by glass, because it constantly poses questions as a medium."

Martin handcrafts each of his pieces individually, working Pyrex and borosilicate glass over a flame that reaches temperatures of 4000 degrees. He continually experiments with new techniques, exploring the nature of glass and how light is reflected and refracted within it. "I aim for clean lines, vibrant colors, organic shapes, rich depth and originality. I like to do something new every time I work." Martin is currently building a body of work that explores the nature of glass and how it combines with other mediums such a wood, bronze and other metals. Martin’s sculptural work is meant to make people stop in their tracks. “My hope is that my work will make people pause, make them wonder and look closer, and hopefully enjoy something beautiful." The demand for Martin’s work has grown steadily in recent years. His art has been shown and sold throughout the U.S. and Paris and several of his pieces have been archived.

Show runs until the end of January 2012.

...........................
PAST ARTISTS  (in alphabetical order)

Dan Amell
Feb-March 2006


Caryn Badgett
June-July 2008

Rian Berry
March-April 2005


Deane Benninghoven
April-May 2008, April-May 2006

Shannon Bowley
Aug-Sept 2004

Hope Braswell
June-July 2006


Christine Chaney
Jun-Jul 2011, April-May 2010, April-May 2009, Oct-Nov 2007, Feb-March 2007, Dec 2003-Jan 2004

Gloria Chenoweth
November 2005


Jennifer Combe
Aug-Sept 2010


Kelly Rae Cunningham
Dec 2010-Jan 2011, Oct-Nov 2009, Oct-Nov 2008, Oct-Nov 2006

Deborah Fay
October 2004

Alison Golder
June-July 2007, Nov-Dec 2004, Aug-Sept 2003

Peter Gross
Oct-Nov 2003

Jean-Paul Gustad
June-July 2004

Jim Hodge
Sept-Oct 2005

Todd Karam
July 2005


Ed Kranick
May-June 2005


Lisa Snow Lady
Oct-Nov 2010, Aug-Sept 2009, Feb-March 2009
Aug-Sept 2007

Carsten Madsen
Feb-March 2004


Kate Fluckinger Petty
Aug-Sep 2011, June-July 2009



Kristen Ramirez
April-May 2007


Lina Raymond
June-July 2010, April-May 2011

Diana Robles
Jan-Feb 2005

Bridgette Runnalls
December 2005

Susan Russell
Aug-Sept 2008


Stephen Schildbach
Dec 2007-Jan 2008, April-May 2004


Jason Scott
Oct-Nov 2011, Dec 2009-March 2010, Dec 2008-Jan 2009

CJ Swanson & David Goldberg
August-Sept 2006

Kristen “Cookie” Tamcsin
Feb-March 2008

Kathryn Trigg
Dec 2006-Jan 2007

Marian Wachter & Bonnie Wilkins
August 2005