|
A self taught Glass Blower, Kyle Keeler has been working with glass since 2001. Growing up on the plains of Colorado, Kyle learned about hard work and the dedication needed to be an artist. Having no formal training Kyle used his curiosity, imagination, and determination to learn the language of glass. Relocating to the Appalachian Mountains in late 2007, Kyle has been inspired by Asheville’s unique, artistic community. As he continues to deepen his understanding of the complexity of glass, he has begun to explore the relationship glass can have with other materials. He recently has become a father and through the eyes of his new baby is rediscovering the world around him.
 |
|
|
"Art is a necessity in every person’s life; it takes us away from the mundane and into the world of infinite possibility. If nothing else the goal is to get the observer to pause, even for the briefest moment, it is in that moment the magic happens and the person can choose to see the potential in them selves and in us all.” |
Hand Blown Borosilicate Glass
Kyle Keeler does what is known as lampwork glass blowing. It is done using a torch that runs on oxygen and propane and burns in excess of four thousand degrees Fahrenheit. The type of glass used is called “borosilicate glass” and is commonly referred to as pyrex. It is one of the strongest glasses available due to its low coefficient-of-expansion, which makes it optimal for utilitarian designs. Pyrex was originally designed to be used in scientific experiments due to its high tolerance to thermal, chemical and physical shock. It is just in the last fifteen years that it has become a medium that artists all over the world are using as a means to express themselves.
Each of Kyle Keeler's glass creations are individually hand blown using no kits or molds. Upon completion the piece is placed into a kiln to anneal overnight at 1050 degrees. The glass color is made from metals and minerals from the earth so there are no paints, dyes, or glazes, just natural color-producing elements.
Kyle creates each unique piece of art by combining the clear glass with the colored glass into different designs and patterns. View Kyle's art gallery. Check out more of Kyle's work on Etsy! www.etsy.com/shop/visionaryglassarts