Glass wildflowers by Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by Ronnie Hughes are called “Liberty in bloom”, so natural, realistic and detailed these glass sculptures are. Ronnie Hughes was born in 1954 and grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. He learned about glass blowing from a friend after he had graduated from the Wake Forest University in 1976. The glass artist admits that having spent two weeks working with glass, he was hooked. Since Ronnie Hughes did not receive special art education, his aptitude for blowing glass had become a great and pleasant surprise for him. Glassblowing became his career, on which he has spent 35 years, creating a large gallery of glass sculptures, which are now in galleries, art exhibitions and private collections.
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
In 1980 Hughes began creating native wildflowers exclusively and continues so to this day. Borosilicate glass is his medium. Using propane and oxygen-fed torches, he heats the glass to a molten state (2000-2500 degrees Fahrenheit). At these temperatures, the glass becomes pliable enough to shape into accurate looking wildflowers. My goal is to create original delicate works of art while maintaining durability at the same time – a difficult balancing act which requires diligence and careful craftsmanship.
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Hughes works by himself, employing traditional flame-working techniques to create his sculptures. According to Hughes, there are no molds, specialized tools, glue, or paints used. After completion, each piece is annealed at 1040 degrees Fahrenheit in a kiln, then cooled gradually back to room temperature. This process removes all thermal stress from the piece, making the glass as strong as it was originally. All pieces are then examined under a polariscope which ensures that the sculpture has been properly annealed before presenting it to the public. If necessary, his glass can be flame repaired if broken, which means his sculptures will retain their value afterwards. This is impossible with soft glass.
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
Glass wildflowers by American self-taught artist Ronnie Hughes
