The Totems

The totems, like the shields, are cultural ceremonial pieces, each treated differently. Layers of overlapping glass are fused by intense heat, imparting a richness and shading of color not present in the heavier glass of the shields.

Steel plays a different role here, with rigid uprights on some contrasting sharply with delicate spindles of others, all holding the glass upright. Taking its own stance is the "Blue Waltz", designed to rock gently back and forth in a breeze, to apprehensive shudders.

The imagery in the glass here is less precise than in the shields, more organic and fleeting, as these cultures pay muted homage to this magic receptacle for color and light.

start the tour of the totems