Friday, July 10, 2009

Lampwork Glass Wine Bottle Stoppers














Tennessee glass artist James Lang usess a glassblowing technique known as lampworking. The glass is known as borosilicate glass and is stronger than regular glass because it can be heated and cooled without cracking problems. This makes it perfect for use as a wine bottle stopper.

End of Day Wine Stopper
Made with lots of tiny pieces of cane and murrine providing a detailed display of color and designs. 5-6" tall with chrome stopper. $35

Heart Murrine Wine Stopper

Little glass murrine hearts go in to these unique wine stoppers. 5-6" tall with chrome stopper. $35

Freshwater Fish Barware

Oregon glass artist Otter Rotolante combines ten years of flameworking experience with offhand techniques to bring a wide array of functionality and designs in his artwork.

"In other mediums of art it's always about the end result, the finished product. In the blown glass medium, however, the process of creating the finished piece is its own form of art. Much like a well- choreographed dance, it's almost like 'behind the scenes' performance art. The end result is a tangible work of glass art, its minute details of form and shape revealing to the studied eye a quick peek behind the curtain for a glimpse of its creation. This makes blown glass as an art medium tense and dramatic, with the contrasting results of (hopefully) graceful and fluid forms. The resulting combination of skills, knowledge, and practice needed to pull it off makes blown glass a very exciting medium for me."



The glassware is made from sturdy borosilicate. All color in the pieces are authentic colored glass — no paints or enamels are used. Each piece is torchworked entirely by the artist. Otter usually creates ocean scenes, but because Gallery Fifty is located on Lake Michigan, Otter has created a line of freshwater fish for us!

Freshwater Goblets
Approximately 6-8" and fumed with silver. $65

Freshwater Cups
Approximately 3" and great for whiskey glasses. $30

Large Cups
Approximately 4" and can be used for most any mixed drink (not shown). $48

Freshwater Shot Glasses
Approximately 3" and made with thicker, borosilicate glass. $16

Call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to order.

Bubble Bracelet with Toggle Clasp

Circles of bubbly circles! Sterling silver and 18k gold bracelet with freshwater pearls and faceted gem stones. Integrated toggle clasp. $410

Call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to purchase.

Mod Rocker Ring

Playful, kinetic sterling silver ring with semi-precious peridot stone. The stone setting freely slides back and forth along a rail. Size 6.75 only. $125

Call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to purchase.

Round Abacus Pendants

Simple and lightweight sterling silver pendant with freely moving 14k gold beads and fresh water pearls on a 16” slim snake chain. Available with white or grey pearl. $68

Call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to purchase.

Round Abacus Earrings

Simple and lightweight sterling silver 1/2” round stud earring with freely moving 14k gold beads and fresh water pearls. Great for everyday wear! Available with white or grey pearls. $68

Call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to purchase.

All-Round Abacus Necklace

Dynamic and feminine sterling silver necklace with freely moving 14k gold beads and fresh water pearls. Adjustable length from 16-18 inches with handmade hook clasp. $625

Call Gallery Fifty at 231-932-0775 to purchase.