Description of Work

Fire Rainbow - 2022 - Glass, light, motors - Not For Sale

Artist's Statement

Though my glass art I create rainbows. My study of interest is refraction of light through glass, in a series I call Fire Rainbow. After seeing a refraction of light through a stained-glass window creating an array of color on the wall, my interest and the project began to unfold.

Fire Rainbow is a glass installation as a three-part series, with the designs being created from the concept of the three different types of clouds that experience this optical phenomenon which creates a “fire rainbow.” Technically known as a circumhorizontal arc, a fire rainbow appears when ice forms on a cirrus cloud, painting the sky with a rainbow spectrum as the sun shines through the ice crystals. Each of the three artworks that make up the Fire Rainbow installation interact with one another. The geometric forms are made with the stained-glass technique with clear and beveled glass, to create the refraction of light.

The Fire Rainbow art piece has evolved into a two-part glass performance installation with light and movement. The first is a performance video with interpretive dancers in which they translate the movement of the clouds as they allow the light to penetrate the glass and create shadows and spectrums of color.

The second part of the installation allows the viewer to walk into the space and experience the effects of the reflections and refractions. The glass pieces are hung from motors that spin them, as a light shines through the spinning glass artworks creating rainbows and shadows in the space. The viewer can be immersed in the optical effects and explore the realm of perception.

I have drawn inspiration from James Turrell, and his practice with light and space. Turrell said, “My work is about seeing. My material is about light, and it is responsive to you.” He also states, “most people are rarely aware of light and take it for granted.”

I want the viewer of Fire Rainbow, to explore the realm of perception. I would like the observer to be aware of the light and the effect it creates.

If you wish to purchase any of these pieces, please contact the gallery director, Jacqueline Nathan (jnathan@bgsu.edu.)