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Art From Empties
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2018/06 - June
Steve Smith is a man who loves to melt stuff.
Mostly he melts glass, but he also melts hearts with his stunning, gem-like creations – everything from mosaics to jewelry to wind chimes to wall sculptures.
“Our venture into the art world had an interesting beginning,” says wife Sally. “A friend moved, sold us her kiln and Steve began experimenting with whatever he could find to melt. Since there were always a few wine bottles around, he began melting those. With Steve’s love of nature and a hope to leave this world a better place for those that come after us, re-configuring bottles otherwise bound for a landfill seemed a good path to follow. So began Art From Empties.”
Over time, Steve customized techniques for cutting, drilling, fusing, polishing, and manipulating his medium in his studio in rural central Alabama. While that area’s been his and Sally’s home for over three decades, they enjoy visits to North Carolina where Steve teaches at John C. Campbell Folk School and shows at Smitten.
Kiln-work is a hot business. Think about it: Water boils at 212°F. Multiply that by a factor of seven and glass starts to liquefy. You don’t want to drop a glop of that on your toesies. So, yes, it has an element of danger. But the Smiths are safety-conscious. The beauty of sunlight shining through gem-like mosaics is magical and worth every hot minute it takes to make it. See their creations online at ArtFromEmpties.com or CampCreekCreations.com or check them out on Facebook.
On June 21 at Smitten’s Third Thursday, you can catch this glass act from 5:30 P.M. ‘til the cows come home and the fat lady sings.
Smitten’s daily hours are 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. This enchanting gallery is located at 468 Main Street in Highlands. Call (828) 342-9920 or email [email protected].
