Brad Turner
Title:
Ribbon
Concept Statement:
Ribbon throws a curve to bare bulb pendant lighting. It is not a one-size-fits-all fixture, but a versatile design element that can hang individually or be paired and grouped for large installations. My goal with Ribbon is to emphasize the unique properties of glass while creating an adaptable product that is original, yet easily produced. The result is a simple, unique, and eye-catching device that is capable of configuring to many different contexts.
Glass presents many production challenges that often result in formal tropes. Molds increase production efficiency, but homogenize and limit outcomes. Artisanal glass blowing yields more interesting results, but is commonly too inefficient beyond basic forms. Looking for a balance, my process involves identifying the material’s challenges, then seeking the simplest manner to overcome them. With an index of solutions, I can then utilize the strengths of the material.
One such strength is glass’ ability to capture movement and maintain visual fluidity, a characteristic I have used to create smooth, gestural lines frozen in vertical space. Beyond the use of glass itself, this is my reference to the theme crystallize, the apparent solidification of current and flow.
Project Specs:
Materials:
o Handmade glass, electrical cable, choice of socket hardware and bulb
Fabrication:
o Hand made, requiring furnace-work glass blowing facilities. Using a jig will standardize a set of curves. The prototypes depicted were produced freehand.
o Following hot production, the tube ends are cut and polished.
o Installation simply requires feeding the cable through the tube and hanging as one sees fit.
Dimensions:
o As Ribbon is produced by hand, some variance is to be expected.
o On average, a single, 1in diameter tube will occupy a 4ft square plane.
o Ideally produced in standardized small/medium/large curves.
Bio:
With a fine art background, Brad Turner received his MFA from Alfred University in NY State, USA, and his BFA from the Alberta College of Art & Design (ACAD) in Calgary, Canada. Turner has refined his body of work through artist residencies in Norway and Belgium, but defined his style during a four-year residency at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, Canada. Creating a mix of sculptural and functional work with an emphasis on conceptual originality and craftsmanship, he has been recognized with 23 competitive grants and awards, including funding from the Canada Council for the Arts. Turner currently lives in Vancouver, Canada. In addition to his own practice, he helps operate Terminal City Glass Co-op.
Country of Origin:
Vancouver, Canada