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1-World Festival |
About Geoffrey Beetem and Geoffrey Beetem Designs
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Geoffrey
Beetem, in the contemporary handmade marble field, is regarded by many as
the master glass artist in the use of dichroic glass in contemporary
handmade glass marbles, Geoffrey Beetem is an artist who continues to
explore the rich colors and unique technique that has become his hallmark.
Beetem's fascination with glass began in 1980 while he studied stained glass
techniques, which involved painting and fusion in creating effects. It was
through this exposure to the technical aspects of glass and color theory
that led Beetem to enrolled in a hot glass course at Ohio University. Studying under the direction of Jane Bruce whose Bauhaus style, a bit stiff and regimented, pushed Beetem towards the organic forms found in Italian glass. For Beetem Jioni Toso was an early influence revealing the blown and wrapped shell form with which Beetem elaborated upon to make larger pieces through reversing the wrap. This was his first experience with an Italian glass technique. In 1987 Beetem was offered the hot shop technician position slot at the famed Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State. This was a great opportunity to study and work with the Best from around the World. With so many world glass luminaries passing through, Beetem's glass skills were developed and eyes were opened, to Beetem it was quite unbelievable. The wide possibilities were endless. Beetem worked with such noted artist as Lino Taglapiertra, William Moris, Rich Royol, Dan Daily, and Donte Marioni, His style, technique, and color theory were all strongly influenced by this increasable journey to Pilchuck. Beetem's work reflects the tremendous power contemporary studio glass can exert on an artist. In addition to his sculptural Sea Shells, Compote, Nesting Bowls, and Column Nest series, he took the suggestion of a friend, Rodney Lyndon, to design marbles as well. At this time there was very little known about dichroic glass, most people could not even pronounce it. This new material challenged Beetem’s sense of theoretical use of color. The dichroic had the ability to do a three phase chromatic shift, which became instrumental in the design of the planetary series, Earth and Moon. Beetem's well known Stardust Marbles originated from his concept of cosmic debris trailing comet as the comet fly’s thousands of miles and hour through space. The trailing frozen crystalline objects he refers to as stardust. The dichroic effect is a perfect match in creating the effect. In the Stardust V-Lobe, his design is spiraling through the center core much like humane DNA. The Stardust Clam Broth, design adapted from the antique clam broth marbles, has yet to be duplicated though many have tried. It is the use of dichroic color and the inclusions of vibrantly contrasting primary and secondary colors, which has continued to intrigue Beetem to this day. It really depends on what color is correlated with a particular gradient shifts. In both The Beetem World and The New Earth Marble is a wonderful example of contemporary studio art glass transcends the field of collectible marbles to collectible art glass. " With the World Marbles, I decided to come back from the far reaches of space and reflect on are home planet. It became apparent that with the Earth's Ecosystem in such disarray, a realistic image of our planet that everyone could hold in their hands might have some impact." Through three years of development, beginning with a scientific map of the continents, Beetem's graphics were developed and adjusted on computer, thus marrying the worlds of marbles and technology. The culmination is one of the world’s most unique contemporary marbles being crafted on a limited basis today. So unique in fact that one was used on a Star Trek Voyager episode when the Voyager crew presented the earth to a reptilian race that once inhabited the Earth. The creativity and inspiration for advance does not cease with the World marble. His new Genesis Series displays Beetem's ability to incorporate sculptural forms with a Daliesque conceptual flair. There is no question that the works of Geoffrey Beetem continue to expand the boundaries of the studio glass movement. In the realm of contemporary marbles and sculptural glasswork, the artistry of Geoffrey Beetem is a true testament to the creative process, imaginative artistry and technological advancements. He is ranked as one of the primer glass artist working today. Each Beetem marble or sculpture has the ability to advance your collection by offering you hands on insight into the color theory, technical skill and personal interest this artist employs in each handcrafted piece. Collectors acquiring the finest contemporary handmade glass from the studio glass movement will long seek after his work, exhibited in galleries throughout the world and many of the finest permanent collections and museum displays. |
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