BIOGRAPHY

Jesse Kelly began working with glass at age 18, as an apprentice at a production studio in Seattle. In the 14 years since begining to blow glass Jesse has had the opportunity to work with several inspiring glass artists both locally and abroad. For the last 5 years he has been a member of Lino Tagliapietra's glass blowing team. "What an incredible experience it's been." Jesse has also studied at the Pilchuk Glass School as a student and teacher's assistant, and has taught glass blowing at the Pratt Fine Arts Center. In 2004, he worked as a guest designer and gaffer in a glass blowing studio in the Czech Republic, where he was able to participate in an exchange of western and Czech tradition and glassblowing techniques.

Over the years, Jesse's appreciation and passion for glass has continued to grow. He draws inspiration from the icons of his childhod and from meaningful life experiences, which he strives to translate into his glasswork. Jesse's successful line of work includes a variety of glass landscape installations, his beautiful and unique fruit series, glass sculpture, bowls, vessels and more.

 

ARTIST STATEMENT

Glass is truly an amazing material. You can find it everywhere, from necessities to luxuries. It takes the form of many of the basic needs of life in the modern world. This ubiquity makes it a fruitful ground for artistic exploration. Through my work with glass, I like to bring bright, flamboyant colors into peoples' homes and lives. I strive to create beautiful glass art that addresses everyday necessities and art that transcends the bounds of functionality.