ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Orca is an example of artist Richard La Londe's fused glass wall sculptures that combine the natural and the mystical worlds. La Londe describes his art as "a window to the world that I find between dreams and reality."
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Bethel School District.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Glass artist Richard La Londe creates elaborate glass murals that are pictorial narratives full of symbolism and color. He is also known for his glass handkerchief vessels.
La Londe grew up in Vancouver, Southwestern Washington. In 1972, he graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a degree in Geology. He immediately started making art and worked odd jobs. La Londe is a pioneer in the fused glass movement. He was one of the initial artists in the 1980s to work and experiment with Bullseye Glass Company's colored glass for fusing. He has taught glass fusing at the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Northwestern Washington, as well as around the United States and Canada. Today, La Londe lives on Whidbey Island in Northern Puget Sound, Western Washington. His work has been exhibited and commissioned internationally.
Describing his technique, La Londe notes: “I outline the design on a clear piece of glass by applying a thin line of powdered glass that is suspended in a gum medium. Then I lay crushed colored glass into the outlined areas in a manner similar to sand painting. This is fused in a kiln, cooled, flipped over, and fused a second time producing depth.” The basics of this fused glass technique dates back to ancient Egypt, 3,500 years ago.
ARTWORK DETAILS
Material Category | Sculpture - glass |
Medium | Fused and slumped glass |
Dimensions | 21 in x 24 in x 4 in |
ID Number | WSAC2002.225.000 |
Acquisition Method | Direct purchase |
Artist Location | Washington, United States |
Location Information
Agency | Bethel School District |
Artwork Location | Kapowsin Elementary School Library, Entry, Display case |
WA County | Pierce |
Placement | Interior |
Site Type | Public School |
Address | 10412 264th Street E Graham, WA 98338 |
Geo. Coordinates | 47.015572, -122.292123 |
Before Visiting | Some artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access. |
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