An exhibition of glass jewellery and sculpture opens at The Depot Artspace, Devonport, in October. The New Zealand Glass Bead Artists (NZGBA) annual exhibition, Lucent, explores the use of translucent and transparent studio glass, presenting an exciting snapshot of current practice by both established and emerging glass artists. Lucent explores the physical properties of glass and light through beads, jewellery and sculpture. Local makers are exhibiting along with artists from as far afield as Christchurch and Wellington, and all have produced amazing work. From organic table lamps to exquisite beaded jewellery and a very colorful chandelier, the exhibition will be varied and interesting. On the back wall of the Main Gallery is Metamorphosis, a collaborative artwork constructed from over 200 glass butterflies. Symbols of peace, hope and transformation, the butterflies float along the wall moving gently with the air currents. Metamorphosis will be donated to The Child Cancer Foundation and auctioned, with all proceeds supporting the Beads of Courage programme in New Zealand. Alongside the exhibition, the NZGBA are running a second community project; planting handmade glass beads around Devonport. Release a Bead is a global project, with the aim sharing the joy of bead making. Over the course of the exhibition, we will be releasing over 100 beads into the wild, wonderful surprises for people to find in the most unexpected place. Lucent Runs from October 16th through to October 28th in the Main Gallery at The Depot Artspace in Devonport.
Metamorphosis is a collaborative artwork, constructed from almost 400 lampworked glass butterflies. Symbols of peace, hope and transformation, the butterflies float along a wall moving gently with the air currents in their environment. The artwork will be donated to The Child Cancer Foundation and auctioned off, with all proceeds going to support the Beads of Courage program in New Zealand. Beads of Courage is designed to support and strengthen the protective resources in children coping with serious illness. Through the program, children tell their story using colorful beads as meaningful symbols of courage that commemorate milestones achieved along their unique treatment path. The New Zealand Glass Bead Artists donate one of a kind, handmade beads to the programme including purple hearts to represent the end of treatment and butterfly beads that are given to every parent who has experienced the loss of their child. Every bead tells a story of strength, honor and hope.
