Artwork copyright Michael Dupille. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Artwork copyright Michael Dupille. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

First Pitch, 2000

Michael Dupille
(American, born 1955)

Location: Utsalady Elementary, Camano Island

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

First Pitch is a glass painting by artist Michael Dupille. The artwork commemorates the opening of Safeco Field in Seattle. The artist notes that games and sport are a recurring theme in his work, describing them as "unpredictable, emotional and generally full of color and movement; all elements which translate successfully to the world of art." He creates his “glass paintings” using different colors of crushed glass called "frit" which he layers and fires in a hot kiln.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Stanwood School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Michael Dupille is a Seattle-based glass artist. He has pioneered different glass-forming processes and has refined a technique in which he calls "fritography" or "glass painting."
Dupille creates his “glass paintings” by drawing on a blank piece of glass. He mixes various sizes and colors of crushed glass called "frit", applies it to the glass surface, and fires it in a kiln. He repeats this process several times, building up the image with layers of colored glass to create a vibrant, sculptural artwork.