Title

Heart of Glass - Blenko Glass

Blenko Glass is a West Virginia treasure that spans generations. Nothing symbolizes the state of West Virginia better or more beautifully than Blenko Glass. We will discuss current and former craftsmen and designers and how important it is that Blenko and West Virginia glass be appreciated and valued by the younger generation.

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Michael Aram


Hillary
Is it true, please say its true. Is Micheal Aram doing a 2010 Blenko Glass special design?
Carolee M


Carolee,


NO! The Blenko Glass designer is the most excellent Arlon Bayliss http://www.arlonbayliss.com/ .
I'm certain you know Micheal Aram an artist, designer and sculptor http://www.michealaram.com/ Micheal is an internationally renowned designer who has lived and worked in India since 1989. Lyrical and often witty, his work encompasses a wide range of media ( I'm attracted to his metal and glass designs). Aram's work is a celebration of age old handworking traditions.

We know Arams' work with Waterford Crystal. His designs bring to the table organic and architectural designs. One of my holiday gifts was a set of Waterford metal napkin holders designed by Aram. We'll write to Aram's and ask for photos.
While NOT made in the USA. The handcrafted metal items are exceptional.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

MICHAEL ARAM BIO

Michael Aram is an American artist who works primarily in metal. After studying fine art and living as an artist in New York in the late 1980’s, Aram took what would later be a life- altering trip to India. Discovering the rich metalworking traditions of the country, Aram was inspired to learn from and encourage the skilled craftsmen whose work he felt was under appreciated and threatened by mass production techniques.

He spent months hunting out artisans in the villages by listening for the beating of metal and learning to identify the smell of baked molasses used in the sand casting process. Learning the different metal processes, Aram decided to apply his fine art’s background to the decorative arts, and made prototypes with whatever was at hand, sometimes just sticks and stones. After creating what would be his first collection of craft based designs, Aram became the driving force behind a small cottage industry of Indian metalworkers.

From his home and workshop in New Delhi, Aram creates designs ranging from tableware to furniture, which are sold in galleries and specialty stores worldwide. This broad diversity embodies Aram’s versatility as an artist who is comfortable working on private commissions, one of a-kind pieces for gallery shows, or creating pieces affordable to a wider audience.

Bridging the gap between artist and artisan is a hallmark of Michael Aram’s work. Whether in his narrative and figurative collection, or his more contemporary line, each piece is entirely hand made with no two examples ever exactly the same. The handmade quality of the work allows it to shift beautifully between the realm of fine and decorative art. This enduring mélange of quality and originality sits comfortably at home in contemporary as well as in more classical interiors.

Aram hopes that his designs inspire creative interactions with those who house them. Appropriately, in Hindi, “aram” means “gently, with peace, with love and care”. Repeating this direction mantra-like to the craftsmen, Aram has succeeded in making high quality work, which is as personal a statement as its appeal, is universal.

Anonymous said...

I purchase Michael's work at the Delhi factory each time I have the opportunity to travel India.
He's been in the same location for about 15 years.

Anonymous said...

Whoa.
Very handsome. But not made in USA
bad bad glasslady.

Anonymous said...

This from the BUY MADE IN USA
queen?

Anonymous said...

2 German Cars {VW and Benz}
Tableware from Michael Arm as you say NOT made in USA
My bet is there are clothes from china in your closet.
Dr Glasslady shame on you.
Ted E

Dr.BOB said...

Waterford still struggling trys new and different venues
Waterford and Fenton both appear to be successful on TV Sales Channels - Perhaps suggesting this to Blenko QVC HSN either would be a good promoter of the product.
Information overload - Micheal Aram.

roundhead2 said...

He is a good looking man and should come back to USA. I like clothes from India that you find from time to time. It is the material that I like. Roxie

glassbug said...

If you like twigs
and grape leafs
and nature
then yes
he is wonderful,
not what I expect from Waterford.

Anonymous said...

do you have photos of your napkin rings or other things he did?

Anonymous said...

Perhaps Blenko could outsource to India and still make money?
Would aram design if they did?