Floral Baskets

A traditional paperweight, often admired for its intricate craftsmanship, typically features lampworked glass flowers encased in a smooth, clear dome. These delicate creations preserve the charm of old-world artistry, allowing viewers to appreciate the meticulous detail in every petal and vine. The paperweight’s untouched, glassy exterior serves as a simple frame for the beauty within, offering a timeless elegance that collectors and art lovers have cherished for centuries. Its classic form has long been a symbol of skill and precision in glass art.

In the contemporary and almost paperless world, this traditional piece has evolved into something far beyond its original intent. By cutting, polishing, and reworking the smooth dome, there is a break in the boundary between the internal floral arrangement and the once-static exterior. The dome is no longer a mere window; it becomes an active part of the artwork. Strategic cuts and angled facets draw light and motion into the piece, syncing the interior lampworked or flame- worked flowers with the exterior. This interplay of reflection and refraction enhances the floral composition, adding depth and movement that breathe new life into the piece. 

I have been working with the exterior of the paperweight for quite some time now.  In this new “Floral Basket” series there is another transformation, moving the paperweight toward a novel expression, where the lines between interior and exterior, craft and concept, tradition and innovation, blur. These contemporary alterations, the floral looking cuts on the outside of the sculpture, challenge viewers to look beyond the encapsulated object and explore how form, texture, and light can shift perception. I feel the result is an object d’art that both honors its classical roots and elevates itself into modern artistic dialogue, redefining what a paperweight can be in today’s creative landscape.