Materials of Expression

Is there a difference between the portals I use to get my feelings, emotions and designs out into the world? I’m remembering advice that my dad would always tell us, “Answer questions with questions, Son.” So between products I design for the Glass Academy and my personal artwork, of course there is a difference. But is it just the intensity of the message or the people viewing it? Come check it out for yourself at my solo exhibition this March-April 2020 at the Padzieski Art Gallery in Dearborn.

Even though Michelle and I design all the work at the Glass Academy when people come into the galley they are assuming that these items are representing the company and staff as a whole. From our perspective as designers, the GA gallery is a portal for expression using glass as are chosen material to flow through. Over the past 30 years we have developed our product designs around a certain price point to keep the items within reach of our chosen customer. That being said there is a boundary within our designs for the items we make for our GA customers. That boundary is much more transparent if not even invisible when I’m creating art that is my own personal journey performing the creative process.

Yes, performance that’s what I said. Much like musicians express themselves through their chosen instrument, I express myself through chosen materials. Wood, metal and glass are my materials of expression. That is why I decided to title my solo exhibition Materials of Expression: Sculpture or Craft?

I added the sculpture or craft because I bounce back and forth between technical traditional blown glass craft and sculptural fine art. This is always a great conversation starter, so what better to do than stand around an art opening and contemplate if something is Art or Craft.

The exhibition will be at:
Padzieski Art Gallery
Ford Community & Performing Arts Center
15801 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn, MI 48126

Materials of Expression: Sculpture or Craft?
One Man Exhibition by Chris Nordin
Thursday, March 19th – Saturday, April 18th, 2020
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 19th | 6-8 PM
Closing Reception: Saturday, April 19th