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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).
Carolina Arts is published monthly by Shoestring Publishing Company, a subsidiary of PSMG, Inc. Copyright© 2004 by PSMG, Inc., which published Charleston Arts from July 1987 - Dec. 1994 and South Carolina Arts from Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1996. It also publishes Carolina Arts Online, Copyright© 2004 by PSMG, Inc. All rights reserved by PSMG, Inc. or by the authors of articles. Reproduction or use without written permission is strictly prohibited. Carolina Arts is available throughout North & South Carolina.