Glass artist Gail Kushner tackles climate change and hope in 'A Glimpse Into Africa'
EXETER — The Seacoast Artist Association in downtown Exeter is featuring two events by Milton glass artist Gail Kushner who recently became one of their gallery artists. Kushner has been experimenting and playing with glass for over 30 years. Her Body of work “A Glimpse Into Africa” opened on Wednesday, May 29. “This collection of work was inspired by two trips to Africa,” she says. “Climate change has created severe conditions with a lack of water for people and animals thus forcing lots of movement in search of life sustaining forces. Despite these conditions people are surviving with grace and integrity. I was inspired to create a series of African people and animals dealing with climate change issues. Each piece has its own focus, but a blue butterfly is used to symbolize the beauty and hope, as she appears in many pieces.
“In Zanzibar, artists paint jungle animals with vivid crimson, blues and purples. I enjoyed experimenting with unusual colors and textures to capture their optimistic perspective. When I begin creating mosaics, I start with the eyes of the animals to give them a unique personality and let the materials lead me to their spirit. Shells, stones, chains and gems add to the variety. A few pieces include Kitengela glass nuggets from a recycled glass factory in Kenya. This village includes many interesting examples of using brilliant colors in stained glass, mosaics, sculptures and funky objects. After my last trip to Kitengela I felt influenced to create this collection based on Africa.
“The leopard piece in this collection depicts a forlorn gaze as the lion has little to drink. In the 'Butterfly Women' the women looks up to speak to the butterfly and look for direction. Each piece in this collection has colorful glass, shells, stones and objects glued to a wooden piece and then framed by hand crafted wood to give them a finished appearance. Black grout is used to contrast the bright colors. I hope visitors to the gallery enjoy a glimpse into the world of Kenya and find the work has a zest and spirit reflected in its people.”
On June 9, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kushner will be the SAA’s Second Sunday artist with her presentation “The Glimmer and Allure of Colored Glass.” Kushner took her first class in California to learn techniques in leaded glass and over time transitioned to working with copper foil techniques and mosaics. She recently added woodworking to her repertoire which has allowed her to make three-dimensional pieces with large sculptures that blend wood and mosaics. She will demo her technique of creating mosaic pieces on small wood backgrounds. She will talk about her process of design and will let you in on her secret to making expressive eyes for her animals. "Mosaic is a process that is time-sensitive and messy, so I will bring pieces that are in different stages of the process." The public is always invited to the SAA Second Sundays and donations are appreciated.
Kushner also has two pieces in the June theme show “Sunrise, Sunset, and Moonlit Eves,” and her mosaic glass and mixed media piece on wood "Wave Sunrise" was just chosen as Best in Show. Meet the artist at the SAA’s Second Friday artist reception on June 14, 5 to 7 p.m. The Seacoast Artist Association is located at 130 Water St., in Exeter. Parking is free. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Call 603-778-8856 during open hours for more information. Also visit seacoastartist.org and follow updates on Facebook
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