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December Issue 2004

Fish or Cut Bait Gallery on Edisto Island, SC, Features Glass Show

Fish or Cut Bait Gallery on Edisto Island, SC, is presenting the exhibit, The Light and Life of Glass Designs, featuring glassworks by three South Carolina artists. The exhibit will be on view through Dec. 23, 2004. The featured artists are Sally Leydic, Herman C. Leonhardt and Carter Seibels.

The glassworks created by these artists range from wine goblets to bowls to jewelry, and while they may seem to be dissimilar in nature, they are unified by the spectacular effect light has on color. "We are so excited about this exhibit," said Brailsford Sutton, owner of Fish or Cut Bait Gallery. "I think creating glass is one of the hardest art forms to perfect. I have encountered numerous artists who have given up on glass as an outlet for their creativity because they say it is just too difficult. These three artists demonstrate how wonderful the results can be when you love something enough to persevere and keep working at it."

Sally Leydic knew early on what she wanted her creative outlet to be and went to college with the desire to learn and hone her skills. After attending the Rhode Island School of Design for two years, she traveled and studied throughout Europe. Leydic then returned to RISD to complete her undergraduate work and earn her BFA in 1999. After moving to Charleston, SC, she established the Leydic Glass Design Studio where she produces a wide variety of glass pieces that range from large to small and from functional to purely decorative. Leydic has received numerous awards for her work, beginning with being selected to attend the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts.

As a self-educated glassblower, Herman Leonhardt uses all his skills to add color and beauty to people's lives. He lives deep in the swamp on the Edisto River and calls his artwork "Swamp Art." "Nature has always been the largest influence on my work," Leonhardt said. "Working in my studio along the Edisto River, I have a constant view of the beauty of nature while I'm working. I am always aware of the freedom, color and contrast that are the hallmarks of my surroundings, and I try to reflect that in my work." After working in a variety of fields ranging from being an engineering assistant in the construction industry to manufacturing fishing rods, Leonhardt began blowing glass in 1988. His work can be seen in many galleries throughout the United States.

Like Leonhardt, Carter Seibels did not set out to work in glass. While attending Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, she had to find something to do for her senior exhibition. The result of that challenge eventually led her to her creative outlet and profession - glass-blowing. Armed only with one class, one instructional book, her creativity and determination, she has evolved into an artist who has achieved widespread acclaim for her glass jewelry.

As the owner and creator of Divali Glass Jewelry, Seibels is so thankful to be able to make a living doing something she loves. "I get inspiration from things around me almost every day, and I think a lot of my creative energy comes from my love of color," said Seibels. "I have been able to build a creative outlet that allows me to express my creative dreams and make a living for myself. What more could one ask for?" Seibels' jewelry can now be seen in more than 25 galleries across the country, and she participates in numerous nationally recognized art shows.

For more info check our SC Commercial Gallery listings, call 843/869-2511 or e-mail at (fishorcutbaitgal@bellsouth.net).


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