Petersilge: Glass Objects & Responses

1.     “Boots Randolph” Mug

This glass item stood out to me particularly because it embodied a genre of “kitsch” that is a valid part of how glass exists. I found this in an old dusty box in the house I lived in last year, and I have no idea who “Boots Randolph” is, but because of its obvious associations to the souvenir and the collectible, I can get an idea of who he was and how this object represents him. The boot glass has an aura about it that makes it read as somewhat precious, also indicative of a collectible or treasured item. I uncovered this glass swaddled in several flannel shirts, an obvious effort to preserve it. However, also in the linear nature of the collectible, it was put on the proverbial “shelf” (my ex-basement) and forgotten about. Glass is often used as a material for collectible or souvenir items because of its fragile, precious nature. Its seductive surface texture and appearance surrounds an experience with a positive aura, through a system of iconography; in this case, a glass boot to represent the (presumably) saxophonist “Boots Randolph”.

1.     Candle Holder

Glass is used frequently for its property of being heat-accommodating. Glass teapots, beakers, and, in this case candleholders, can exist to contain a (limitedly) heated element. It also creates a soft-hued, transparent wall for the candle’s flame to pass through, in order to illuminate a space with even light. In this way, glass can function as an aesthetically pleasing solution for the usage of candles. Prayer, interior design, and many other situations benefit from the natural beauty of glass to enhance their experience. 

1.     Stained Glass Flower

Manipulating the color and strength of light that enters a space is a function very much inherent in glass. A decorative solution can be found in this item, a flower rendered in stained glass. Not only does it provide the viewer with an appealing arrangement of glass to create a picture, but also it casts a gentle, bluish green light into the space over which it hangs. Stained glass is probably most readily associated with adorning churches and large, public spaces, finding most of its commissioned footing there. For quite some time now, also, it exists as an item accessible to home and personal spaces, the size of house windows as opposed to cathedral walls. While perhaps less sacred of an experience, stained glass functions here to adorn an area with an elegant accent.

1.     Stained Glass Sculpture

This piece functions decoratively, as a paperweight or knick-knack, in order to enhance and personalize an intimate environment. For me, it functions as a keepsake, as it belonged to my grandmother before me. I believe that a lot of glass exists like this, especially in this day and age, being bequeathed from one generation to another. In this way, these glass objects retain their original function of decoration, but now contain an added layer of preciousness. People who have lived before us have given them to us. In some cases we hold them dear, but regardless we will associate that history and meaning with that object, making the two in a way inseparable. 

1.     White Cat Corn Jar

Glass is excellent for storing dry goods, such as corn kernels, legumes, tea… it can also be used to contain and store liquids, such as honey, and essential oils. Glass has many properties that make it advantageous for storage and preservation. Glass’ ability to be tinted, allows it to store even light-sensitive materials. It can also be used in combination with a vacuum system, whether mechanical or just a rubber enclosure, to create an airtight seal around whatever is to be preserved. In this case, the jar functions to preserve and store popcorn, of which it has done a splendid job so far.