Mary Mullaney
Artist Statement/Bio

   I direct a team to blow sizeable glass vessels into which I permanently carve imagery using a sandblaster and diamond engraving tools. The challenging hot glass techniques we use provide me with thin, transparent color layers which, when carved into, result in the myriad hues and shades of color which characterize my surface compositions. The finished piece is a highly personal, voluminous, sculptural narrative which explores the undulating curves in the form. I often make use of the seductive transparent and luminous qualities of glass as well as its ability to hold fine detail. Carved glass is as easily transformed into the crisp, geometric divisions of a dried seedpod as into the tissuey, ethereal and translucent petals of that same plant in full bloom.

   Mary Mullaney's "contemporary cameo" style blown and carved vessels depict microcosms of captivating natural beauty or unusual landscapes of the mind. Mary's vessels are blown by her with the assistance of husband Ralph Mossman. The challenging hot glass techniques used provide thin, transparent color layers which, when carved into, result in the myriad hues and shades of color which characterize Mullaney's surface compositions. The result is a highly personal, voluminous, sculptural narrative which explores the undulating curves in the form. Mary embraces the seductive transparent and luminous qualities of glass as well as its ability to hold fine detail. Skillfully, she expresses the crisp, geometric divisions of a dried seedpod or the tissuey, ethereal and translucent petals of that same plant in full bloom. Mary Mullaney began blowing glass in 1984 at Southern CT State University under Peter Pelletieri and Chris Lubinski. Additional studies followed under Lino Tagliapietra and Lisabeth Sterling. A long time active participant in her local art community, Mary has also taught and lectured at a variety of venues including Horizons New England Craft School and The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass. Her award winning work is featured in numerous art publications and has been exhibited in galleries throughout the US and internationally since 1988.