Poseidon’s Paradise

Abstract

Garfoot uses industrial production systems and works with the inherent conflicts central to that process in order to express the ephemeral and natural qualities found in singular artifacts rather than production runs. He maintains technical control while allowing the work to develop which projects a sense of harmony with the natural world. Extending the technical options of previous work, for this series Garfoot experimented with adding glass blowing to the process of centrifugal glass casting to achieve his conceptual intentions. He used standard bronze casting moulds (resin bonded sand moulds from a master form) as the base canvas for his production. He then goes back into the mould to carve it and add details. He shaped the mould to produce a series of facets in relief which trapped and transmitted light. This method resulted in a unique singular product from what is ostensibly an industrial process. The development and extension of existing glass techniques and processes to express the forms and textures derived from marine conditions. Through the use and combination of centrifuge, hot working and cutting, glass sculptural pieces are created that are analogous to underwater growth.