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Bryan Beck Glass

Give Bryan GAS!


Thanks to the support of all the loyal TLC fans, Bryan, The Lucky Capricorn, was able to attend the 2011 GAS Conference in Seattle, WA. Here is what Bryan had to say about last year's experience:

"It was such an incredible experience! I got to meet and network with the best of the best in the glass world! I got to have my portfolio reviewed by Clare Belfrage, an amazing glass artist from Australia! I was featured in the GAS Student Exhibit! And one of my sculptures, "In Half - Purple", sold at the GAS Auction! This has been an experience I will always remember!"

This year, Bryan is again hoping to attend this amazing event and would greatly appreciate your continued support. 

The 42nd Annual Glass Art Society Conference will be held June 13-16, 2012 in Toledo, OH. The conference celebrates the community and diversity of glass through the country and the world, and is a tremendous opportunity for networking and career advancement. For more information on the Gas Conference, visit http://www.glassart.org/2012_Toledo_OH.html. 

To help Bryan be able to attend this spectacular event, please donate below. All donations will go towards making Bryan's attendance of the 2012 GAS Conference possible by funding his gas, food, and lodging, as he road-trips his way from Jacksonville, Florida to Toledo, Ohio - a long journey for a recent college graduate and artist with limited funds. We thank you, in advance, for your generosity!

Why Should YOU Give Bryan GAS??

Read this special message from Bryan to attend the 2012 GAS Conference in Toledo, OH:
       
       As a glass artist, I create abstract sculptures informed by the stress properties of glass. In this series titled “Polarized Glass” I demonstrate some advantages to having stress in glass work. These sculptures reflect the “happy accident”. By focusing on observed elements of stress found in the glass I make the disc explode to create a truly unique design. I utilize my knowledge of coldworking techniques to alter the surfaces and the overall design. 
       

       Stress is created by an annealing process I call false annealing. Hitting the disc in the center, the disc fractures and releases stress. Using the shattered components, I design a sculpture. Keeping the parts in the same order as if they were still a disc I decide which pieces to alter on the surface, and which ones to leave as they are. I use a monochromatic color scheme for each sculpture as an aesthetic decision for the work. I enjoy the reflective and optical properties glass provides; always highlighting this feature as much as possible in my work. Created with a thick space of clear glass, the discs allow for deep grinds into the surface giving a unique illusion for the viewer. The designs ground into the glass by coldworking techniques allow for a change of the surface texture. I have made a series of abstract sculptures, inspired by the stress properties of false annealing. 
        

       I attended the Glass Art Society for the first time in June of 2011. It was a trip I will never forget. The opportunities and connections I made will forever guide my career in the arts. 
This year I would like to attend the 2012 GAS Conference in Toledo, Ohio. In the past year I have been working to develop a body of work titled “Polarized Glass: Creating Abstract Sculptures informed by the Stress Properties in Glass. This series will be the culmination of my six years studying the art of glass working. I plan to exhibit my work at the GAS Conference Student Exhibition, displaying my experience and techniques in glass and metal. 
       

       Under the direction of Brian Frus (Glass Professor), Jim Benedict (Sculpture Professor), and Tiffany Whitfield Leach (Ceramics Professor) at Jacksonville University I have learned new techniques and skills to better my career. Professor Benedict taught me how to weld and utilize various metal forming techniques as well as new social skills which will increase my chances of a great job. Professor Frus helped me this year with developing the design work for my senior thesis. Professor Leach helped me with my writing and speech skills. All of these professors have had their part in molding me into the student, employee and artist I am today. 
       

       I wish to go to the 2012 GAS Conference because I feel I have a whole new world of skills to offer to the glass art community. I must travel to Toledo and demonstrate these skills to colleagues, and more importantly possible future employers. 

Sponsor Bryan with a Donation

Click the "Donate" button below!

Donation Contest

You can win a specially-created, handmade piece of art from Bryan! 

How does it work?? For every donation you make of $50, your name will be entered into the drawing! Increase your chances by donating more:
$50 = name entered once, $100 = name entered twice, $150 = name entered three times, etc!
*Winner will be selected and announced when Bryan returns from the conference.

*Congratulations to last year's winner: Ellen Flanzig! 
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