Diatomaceous

Diatomaceous are glass-blown works inspired by the drawings and research of Ernst Haeckel 1834-1919. For years I have enjoyed the book, Kunstformen der Natur (Art Forms in Nature) of prints drawn by Ernest Haeckel, a prominent German biologist in his day. Haeckel was a zoologist, naturalist, eugenicist, philosopher, physician, professor, marine biologist, and artist who discovered many new species. His drawings and watercolors have inspired thousands of artists and scientists, since the release of his book. To create these glass and metal works was a process. I began with Adobe Illustrator to create cut paths for steel elements. I used an industrial-strength laser cutting system to create the cutouts and then worked with the glass blowers at The Pilchuck Glass facility as an artist in residence to blow glass into the forms. 

Created by Ken Rinaldo. Special Thanks to Glass Gaffers Joey Cariati, Michael Shiner, and Coldworker glass artist, Simon Maberly, and Pilchuck curator Ruth King.