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Chuck St John

@chuckstj

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Breaker and scratcher of glass, metal and stone. Stargazer, beet grower.
#glasscarving #gardenart #glassartists #glasscarving #glassartwork #glassart
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Three Way Balance by @chuckstj
1
a year ago
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Three Way Balance - Physically represents the idea that there are more than two sides to pretty much any issue. Graduated markings suggest that the careful weighing of ideas from different viewpoints may alter the ‘balance’ in a dynamic and delicate dance of perspectives. Steel, concrete, copper, brass, glass. Solar powered internal LED spotlight. 53” X 10 1/2” X 10 1/2” (106cm X 26.5cm X 26.5cm). by @chuckstj
1
a year ago
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"Burning Ladder" : 2024 Winter Solstice Sculpture Burn. by @chuckstj
4
2 years ago
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"The Chalice of Self-Observation" In what is evolving into a series of pieces that I think of as 'contemplative devices', "The Chalice of Self-Observation" is a visual form as a reminder to practice a technique of a particular shift of awareness. The goal is to view oneself as if at a distance, disengaged from our usual focus. This self-observation allows another state of consciousness to emerge in which we are not "identified" with a situation and in which we can see our "mechanical" or habitual way of reacting to life's events. This shift of awareness is necessary if we are to become free from our mechanical, habitual reactions. The large, heavy 'chalice' Is difficult to pick up and the barbed wire on the handles allude to the painful realizations that come when we see our unthinking (mechanical, habitual) responses to life's changing events. As Aldous Huxley admonished his characters in "Island": (Pay) "Attention!" 108cm X 61cm X 32cm (42.5" X 24" X 12.5") by @chuckstj
4
2 years ago
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"A constellation of cobwebs". by @chuckstj
3
2 years ago
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"Bird's Eye View" From the vantage point of a "Bird's Eye View", our Volvo's bumper bends around a power pole, then shears it off with the weight of the car cascading off the road. A moment of inattention due to sleeping while driving (absolutely not a recommended practice...). However, the robust design of the car kept the passenger cabin intact, glass and all. The bumper was formed into a graceful, balanced arc and the engine came to rest below our feet. Non-life threatening injuries did result, but very fortunately no permanent damage to the occupants. Recovery personnel removed all the debris from the scene of the incident except for the metal understructure of the front bumper. Serendipitously twisted and bent into this shape, it became the beginning point of this sculpture. Exploding headlights are referenced by the expired halogen bulbs in the base, backlit by solar powered LEDs. A ring of steel marks the position of the power pole as the bumper embraces and then moves through it. Sparks fly. Pain ensues. Life endures. Lessons learned. 72" X 40" X 23" by @chuckstj
3
2 years ago
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Venus and Mars This collection of found objects is assembled into a three dimensional variation of a Venus and Mars graphic (see last photo). A beautifully rusted cast iron plumbing transition piece bridges the eroded steel pipe base to the steel rings. A hot, free-formed glass finial represents the arrow of Mars. 59" X 11" X 16" This is the second piece I have in the Headbones Gallery show in Vernon for the month of July. by @chuckstj
2
2 years ago
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Now, for something a bit different... This is a piece in the Headbones Gallery show "Valley View" in Vernon, BC through July (2024). "Can O' Beans" references inanimate objects that were characters in the Tom Robbins novel "Skinny Legs and All". I found that I had (and was using for various purposes) the same odd objects in my studio (a painted stick, a spoon, a sock and a conch shell). In the novel, they are all in search of the mythic "Can O' Beans" (uhm, aren't we all?). Can illustration by William McAusland. by @chuckstj
2
2 years ago
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I think this is the first large piece I did in this style (29 years ago!?- how did that happen so quickly? Exploring the refractive nature of beveled glass and lenses applied to a clear glass panel, with kiln-fired stained glass and meticulously layered etching, these pieces are designed to evoke a feeling of multi-dimensionality. The variable effects of daily and seasonal angles of light create kinetic effects of enduring enjoyment. by @chuckstj
4
2 years ago
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"9/10ths" Standing like a milestone, "9/10ths" grew from a damaged part of a recently abandoned technology. The fact that the original use is already lost, even on the people alive today who grew up using it in their youth, is a testament to the short term memory of our culture. "9/10ths" of this device was functional when it was abandoned, a reminder that small critical components (1/10th) can bring machinery (even entire civilizations) to a halt. A playful adaptation of various discarded springs, windings, pieces and parts create a new function for this device: to contemplate the fragile nature of our creations and the random chances that allow us to continue... or not. 130cm (51") tall by @chuckstj
4
2 years ago
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This is an older piece, in the series related to time that has a particular seasonal effect. The blog post has more info about details (address below). "4th Dimensional Time Piece #1" With the ability to focus light rays to the center of the pyramidal form, "4th Dimensional Time Piece #1" can be oriented to track solar movements through time. The lens can be hand held to examine the texture of the layers of kiln-fired glass or the natural shapes in the stone base. Examining either one gives a disorienting effect, as the scale of the context of the images are lost. The glass evokes interstellar space, while the stone resembles earthly landscapes. The texture of the cast brass pyramidal form reflect the chaotic texture of natural processes seen in cloud formations or fire. 30cm X 30cm X 13cm (12" X 12" X 5") Blog: http://www.chuckstjohnglass.blogspot.ca by @chuckstj
5
2 years ago
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A selection of carved glass pieces (19mm / 3/4" thick) from my Etsy page. They have LED lighting in the bases, either with a solar panel and battery or with rechargeable batteries and multiple colour LEDs. Wood bases are clear Douglas Fir. 15 - 23 cm (6 -9") tall. See more on my Etsy page: https://tinyurl.com/Chucks-ice-sculptures by @chuckstj
5
2 years ago
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