Todd Martin has been creating art by working glass in a flame or "lampworking" since 1996. He was first drawn to glass as an art form when he visited an exhibit in Birmingham, Alabama. "What I saw was so foreign to me and so unexpected." He decided to forego his other career plans and to immerse himself instead in the intensive study of glass. He is completely self taught. "It took a lot of experimenting but that time was so exciting. It was undeniable that I had found my passion. It consumed me."
Unlike other substances, glass cannot be categorized easily. It is actually a liquid that has been "frozen" in place, only appearing solid. The artist must masterfully facilitate the relationship between the flame and the properties of the glass. "There is so much more going on than what can be seen. I think that's why I am so taken by glass, because it constantly poses questions as a medium."
Martin handcrafts each of his pieces individually, working the glass over a flame that reaches temperatures up to 3000 degrees. Martin continually experiments with new techniques, always exploring the nature of glass and how light is reflected and refracted within it as he adds character and detail to each piece. "I aim for clean lines, vibrant colors, organic shapes, and originality. I like to do something new every time I work."
Currently Martin works out of his studio in Seattle. The demand for his work has grown steadily in recent years. His work has been shown and sold throughout the U.S. and Paris and several of his pieces have been archived at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. He continues to build his body of work as he explores the nature of glass and how it combines with other mediums in his sculptural work. His ambition is to create artwork that elicits awe for those who experience it. "Art says what I cannot say in words. I want my work to make people pause, to make them wonder and hopefully to enjoy something beautiful."
Currently Martin works out of his studio in Seattle. The demand for his work has grown steadily in recent years. His work has been shown and sold throughout the U.S. and Paris and several of his pieces have been archived at the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. He continues to build his body of work as he explores the nature of glass and how it combines with other mediums in his sculptural work. His ambition is to create artwork that elicits awe for those who experience it. "Art says what I cannot say in words. I want my work to make people pause, to make them wonder and hopefully to enjoy something beautiful."
