Phillip Nolley, Glass Artist
Phillip Nolley is a glass artist working out of his studio in Staunton,Virginia. All of his glass objects are either blown using traditional techniques or cast using pate de verre techniques. The surface carvings include cameo techniques such as wheel engraving, sandblasting and diamond point engraving.
His work has evolved through intuitive, free-spirited play. The current body of work embraces this spirit of improvisation through the use of new glass color applications and carving techniques. These techniques produce active surface patterns that help generate a dynamic relationship between design and form. The random exposure of previously hidden color patterns created by the carving process also adds a layer of visual and tactile richness.
Phillip received the 2011 Don H. Johnson Award, presented by Creative Metalsmiths, at the 42nd Annual Fine Designer Crafts Show in Raleigh.
Phillip Nolley
Shortly after his 1980 graduation with a degree in music focusing on Jazz, Phillip joined a Quintet, traveling and playing throughout Virginia. During this intense time of experimentation he needed supplemental work to support himself. In early 1981 following the advice of a friend, Phillip went to the hot shop of acclaimed glass artist Jon Kuhn; four hours later his artistic path had changed.
I had never seen hot glass nor any part of the process. I was mesmerized. Balancing the intricate rhythm and technical challenges of blowing glass was like an improvisation, But after a few brief moments there was a glowing object mirroring the passion and technical Intensity of the artist.
Phillip stayed in Kuhn’s studio for three more years, working at the furnace and learning about the many possibilities of cold working and surface treatments. In 1984 he took a glassblowing position at a production studio, continuing to refine his skills. In 1985 he moved on, building his first studio in down town Staunton, Virginia.
For the next ten years Phillip’s main focus was on refinement of technique and form. In 1994 an accident while traveling forced him to stop blowing for three months. During this time he began experimenting with Pate de verre casting as well as painting, creating large gestural figures on canvas stretched across the floor. That period of experimentation planted the seeds that would grow into a new direction in his work. Still rooted in his love of classic technique and form, Phillip is reaching back to his love of improvisation and the exciting possibilities and beauty that random surface treatments can bring to blown and cast objects.
Improvisation is more important to my work than ever. Rarely is a piece completely conceived from the beginning. Rather, I start with form and let the rhythm of the work Flow to its natural Conclusion.
