My sculptural glass artworks often draw upon a connection to the natural world around me. Leaf, rock, stick, and seed each capture my imagination; when I look upon a tree I visualize the rings within, roots below, and many details hidden within the canopy above. In my artwork, I reflect on the journey of each life—changing through seasons or sending seed to disperse the species, for example—and I form a sculpture based on my own imagination of these journeys. I love textural surfaces and movement and growth. As I form molten glass into a sprout or vine or flower, I conjure the feeling of reaching out to discover and thrive. The garden, be it wild, manicured for beauty, or cultivated for food, is a place where many of Mother Nature’s secrets are revealed.
Brian Frus, Leaf Bowl, glass, 10 x 9 x 9 in., 2022.
Leaf Bowl represents the human connection to the garden. This work explores our manipulation of natural components to be creative for both beauty and/or utility.
Brian Frus, Split Peapod, glass, 4 x 8 x 15 in., 2020.
Split Peapod celebrates a reproductive adventure—the clear husk showcases vibrant seeds, each ready to disperse itself to create new life. Alternatively, perhaps these seeds will be food for people, or be used by them to plant future crops. Regardless, the seed is at the heart of each garden.
Brian Frus, Sprouting Melon, glass, 18 x 8 x 8 in., 2020.
Sprouting Mellon is a tantalizing fruit that may be the pride of any garden. This glossy, full sculpture extends a sprout that reaches toward sky and sunlight. I love the idea that such a sculpture might be “planted” among real plants, its discovery a prize for any who journey out to the garden.
Brian Frus, Summer Season Pod, glass, 12 x 9 x 16 in., 2008.
Summer Season Pod has bloomed into its most full form. Each pod in this series (Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring, respectively) captures an essence of fullness, change, dormancy, and new growth.