This gorgeous vase looks beautiful whether it is filled with flowers or empty. Its clear crystal conical shape impressed with geometric designs wears an applied topaz rim and is setting on a topaz circular foot. The totality is stunning. It was designed in the 1990s by contemporary glass artist Hank Adams for the famed Blenko Glassworks. Although modern in design it will blend with any décor. I can just imagine it on your mantle, a bookshelf, or hall table.
Hank Adams, a student of Dale Chihuly and award-winning artist, has been for over 35 years not only an artist, but a designer, educator, and community advocate. He obtained his BFA in painting in 1978 from Rhode Island School of Design and continued his art education at Pilchuck Glass School in Washington, Tennessee Technological University, and Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. From 1988 through 1994 he served as head designer for Blenko while he continued his work as an independent artist showing in Vienna, Austria; Troy, New York; Seattle; San Francisco; New York City; Corning; and Sapporo, Japan. Hank also worked on Fellowship at the Creative Glass Center of America in 2001. He is currently acting as creative director at the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center Studio in Millville, New Jersey while maintaining his own studio in upstate New York.
Blenko’s roots go back to 1893 with the current company having been founded in West Virginia in 1922. Originated by William H. Blenko and continued by third and fourth generation of Blenkos, William H. Jr. and Richard D., their glass objects are a combination of the designer’s imagination and the skilled hands of the craftsmen. Their pieces are all hand made in small batches always unique and inspiring and never machine-made. The factory attracts visitors worldwide who can view the Blenko craftsmen practice their skilled art. There is also a museum at their lakeside visitors center. Blenko’s heyday of the mid-century modern period has spawned many highly collectible pieces and their stained-glass windows are iconic. It seems their modern works are destined to follow in those footsteps.
You need this beautiful example of Hank Adam’s designs and Blenko glass. Make it yours.
