2005
Emma Varga
Collaroy, New South Wales, Australia
Under Water #1
Slumped and polished glass bowl, fused and cut glass elements, silicone and water
8 H x 52 W x 52 D cm
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve (Collaroy, NSW) is an extraordinary, beautiful and fragile local natural sanctuary - my favourite spot nearby my studio. Long Reef is accessible only during low tide; if global warming continues to raise the ocean level, it will be under water soon and forever...
This is how I can help to save Long Reef: to create a work inspired by Long Reef, to raise awareness while using glass techniques which require less energy:
1. Textured clear glass was slumped into a bowl (short firing) and rim polished
2. Thousands of pre-fused (short firing) miniature glass elements were glued with silicon into the bowl
3. Thick slab of cast clear glass was replaced by water, providing the same reflection of light
4. Excessive amounts of manual work and patience were used
5. The shadow cast through textured glass is an integral part of the composition.
Photographer: Emma Varga