Artist Joel O’Dorisio grew up loving trees and glass. After much experimentation, he found a unique way to merge his two loves. His process involves casting his glass around and inside of tree trunks. The resulting sculptures are gloriously other-worldly, while staying rooted in this world.

“I have been fascinated with the natural beauty of trees since I was a child.  I am influenced by the inherent wonder of the natural landscape and the gritty beauty of the city.  Growing up, I spent most of my time living in the urban environment of Columbus, Ohio.  But, I spent every summer in the forests of Colorado.  From an early age I have wrestled with the fact that aspects of both worlds please me.  Yet, under most circumstances, nature and urban civilization do not coexist peacefully.

“I use my work to explore cultural tidal zones.  I am fascinated with that tiny area where two fundamentally different worlds of nature and man meet, and interact with each other.  I combine rough organic textures from trees or stone with smooth machined architectural forms in glass. My sculpture is a quiet metaphor of the interaction of humanity and the natural world.” -Joel O’Dorisio Artist’s Statement

Sometimes, I read artists’ statements, and I just don’t get it. O’Dorisio, however, makes perfect sense to me. I love his ideas, and I think his work would be a real joy to live with.

All images property of Joel O’Dorisio.