Sean O'Neill

Traver Gallery-Seattle is proud to present Passage an exhibition of new works by Seattle artist Sean O’Neill. Inspired by the passage of time and the resulting patterns that are left behind, Sean O’Neill’s work seeks to reveal the beautiful evidence of natural phenomena.

 

Using, the shallow rondel form as a “canvas”, O’Neill carves directly into the surface of the glass with stone and diamond wheels, imitating the patterns that occur within nature. Whether referencing the erosion of the earth or the momentary transit of two celestial bodies, O’Neill pays homage to the natural beauty surrounding us.

 

Although O’Neill’s work is inspired by the randomness and chaos of nature, his designs are unquestionably deliberate. The strong graphic qualities of his carvings are balanced by soft subdued colors, and the graceful curve of the vessels onto which he carves. The sculptural forms of his pieces are as important as the patterns incised on them. “A subtle curve, has the potential to contain and create depth”, notes O’Neill.

 

This exhibition features eleven, blown, engraved, and slumped glass rondels, each carved with naturalistic patterns that allow for quiet reflection on the forces and elements that impact our earth. O’Neill says of his work, “In today’s world where change occurs at such a rapid pace, I create these works as contemplations on the less fleeting forces that shape our world”. 

 

A graduate of the Appalachian Center For Craft, Sean O’Neill began blowing glass as a teenager at the Crefeld School in Philadelphia. He has since worked in glassblowing studios in New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee and Seattle. Sean is currently a glassblower at Benjamin Moore Inc. where he works with artists such as Ben Moore, Rich Royal and Dante Marioni.  In 2008 he received the Artbridge Fellowship from the Pratt Fine Arts Center, and is currently a member on the board of trustees for the Pilchuck Glass School.