Relentless Optimism

50"x14"x7"

Glass, Paint, LED, Wood

2020

"Relentless Optimism" portrays an old bicycle pump pushing out Edison lightbulbs in the the air. I think of art, and many ways of living, as doing our best to put good energy and thoughts in to the world. Some ideas sink, some soar, but this pieces is about the relentless pursuit of trying no matter what. The colors are bight and intense, but there is a patina of age to suggest the past. The piece has an inner glow and radiance from the LEDs, and a dichroic layer that changes color as the viewer changes their view of the work. The light accentuates the layers in the glass, the bulbs, the pump, and amplifies the dichroic color shift. The piece contains its own light and as you walk past them, the colors shift in a dynamic and dramatic way.

Pink Radiance

A New City, A New Studio, and hopefully a new kiln!

Hi Everyone,

My wife and I recently relocated to Seattle and after a few months of searching, were very lucky to find a house with a detached garage.

I'll be converting the garage to my new studio. 

I'm asking for help to fund a new kiln for this space.

Kilns are expensive, and I need one to continue my work. rather than ask for free help, I'm offering rewards. Drawings, 2 different sizes of glass sculptures, and a studio class experience.

Heres the kiln I want

Its big enough to handle the larger sizes I want to work in and designed in a way that's perfect for the technique I use.

You can help my by checking out my Indiegogo Page

and contributing whatever you can.

I'm currently at 21% raised, so its starting to feel possible.

thank you.

Auction Wednesday

Another Auction Wednesday offering! 

"I made this for you"

Glass, Enamels, Resin, Wood Frame
13”x7.5”x2.5

you can bid on the piece here:

https://www.facebook.com/sean.hennessey/posts/10154862353206868

Thanks for checking out my Auction Wednesday offering! I would love it if you could share my post to reach a larger audience! Maybe tag someone if you think they'd like this piece.

You know my auctions don’t really help pay the bills. It’s a fun way for me to share my work in a way that everyone has a chance to won. But i still have lots of hopes of making more art. If you like what I’m doing would you please become one of my patrons on my Patreon page?

Anyone can sign up, even for as little as $1/month. It really can make a difference for me. and THERE ARE REWARDS!!!
REWARDS!!!! Who doesn't love a reward?!

https://www.patreon.com/seanhennessey

#auctionwednesday #glassart #cassettetapes #seanhennesey #artresin#otisstreetartsproject

Auction Wednesday!

YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS!

Auction Wednesday!

I've been super busy for the past few weeks, but I'm back and 

I'm auctioning off this piece today on my Facebook Page

"Choices"
Glass, Enamels, Resin, Wood Frame
18"x8"x2.5"

As many of you know, I've been experimenting with cast glass pieces combined with epoxy coloring. This one is a great example of the direction I'm heading with flowing, vivid colors.
The piece can be wall mounted or sit on a table, counter, or windowsill.
____________________________________________________________________
AUCTION RULES
-Starting Bid is $10
-Bid as a New Comment in $10 Increments.
-Message or Text me if you want to place a secret bid ( i will confirm i received it. )
-Bidding ends at 12:00 Midnight EST.
-If its too close to call, the auction will extend until no one has bid for 5 minutes.

If no bids by 5:00, I’ll take the post down and cry.

Payment to be made via paypal or check if necessary.
(I'll message winner the details)

Pieces can be picked up at my studio in Mount Rainier, MD or at my home in Baltimore, MD.

Shipping can be arranged both Domestic and International
(estimated $35 to ship to west coast, for instance)

Bid Early! Bid Often!

Click here

https://www.facebook.com/sean.hennessey/posts/10154627956486868
____________________________________________________________

Thanks for checking out my Auction Wednesday offering! I would love it if you could share my post to reach a larger audience! Maybe tag someone if you think they'd like this piece.

If you like what I’m doing would you please become one of my patrons on my Patreon page?

Anyone can sign up, even for as little as $1/month. It really can make a difference for me. and THERE ARE REWARDS!!!
REWARDS!!!! Who doesn't love a reward?!

https://www.patreon.com/seanhennessey

#auctionwednesday #glassart #doors #seanhennesey

Open Studio Saturday May 13th

Hey! If you're in the DC are, come visit me at my studio next weekend!

I'll have all kinds of pieces available and you can see what things I'm working on for the future.

All the studios in the Gateway Arts District will be open too!

So much going on!

Start by visiting me at Otis Street Arts Project, then head out to all the other cool places

Saturday May 13th

Noon-5:00

Otis Street Arts Project

3706 Otis Street

Mount Rainier, MD

Here's a map of the area

More information can be found HERE

Auction Wednesday

Here's my Auction Wednesday piece for this week! Read more info and go bid on it here

Auction Wednesday

I'm auctioning off this piece on my facebook page. Go here to read more about it and BID

Using Resin

Recently I've been experimenting A LOT with resin. My primary goal was to create something akin to layered, fused and hot glass panels that still relied on the kiln formed deep relief cast glass base that has become the main body of my work. So, in doing research on what to use, I luckily came across ArtResin, most likely through there Youtube videos.

The combinations of resin and glass was EXACTLY what I need to move my work in the direction I was looking to go. I am able to cold fuse sheets together, to isolate digital prints, to make somewhat devitrified glass more optically clear, and to add colorants on a wet painterly way.
I've been auctioning off these experiments every Wednesday on my facebook page with the tag #auctionwednesday

I've also -just- starting adding resin to more major pieces of mine and have plans to continue to do so. I couldn't be happier with the results I'm getting. 

For the discerning art collector: I use the resin, mostly isolated between layers of glass and protected by steel frames. these puppies aren't delaminating. Also, this type of resin uses a hindered amine compound to prevent yellowing.

For the discerning artist: this stuff is easy to use and takes pigment and dyes easily. If you're in the DC area, come by my studio and I'll show you what it looks like in person.

Here are examples of the pieces I've been making, all in the past few months.

I used purple and blue concentrated pigments to swirl the color around in 3 layers

I added a green liquid pigment to the resin for the bottom of this piece

I used untinted resin on the surface of this piece to improve the optical quality of the casting. This allows for me to control how clearly the viewer can see the images behind the casting

Same use of untinted resin here.

I added an intense pink pigment to the resin for a very bright piece.

Swirls of blue pigmented resin on both the front and back of the glass casting

Alcohol dyes were used in the resin and left to settle naturally.

This used clear resin to isolate the glass casting within the frame. 

Before adding clear resin to the surface, you couldn't even see the ferris wheel behind the glass. The resin fills in the imperfections of the glass that distort light that passes through it. By filling them in, and having a smooth surface, light passes straight through the piece improving the optical quality.

A fun swirly look created by pouring the resin, then asding just a few drops of liquid pigment here and there and moving it around with a tongue depressor.

I mixed up a few batches of colored resin and poured them over this glass piece.

a very thin coating of purple resin over a highly textured glass casting

Hard to get an image of this beautiful piece. Intense red, intense purple that blended together where the colors meet. the light coming through this pieces is gorgeous.

Resin poured into a plaster door casting.

I used to cover surfaces with concrete. the background of this piece is a greenish concrete, that i covered with resin. It really brought out a gorgeous feel to the concrete.

Subtle use of swirled color

A little blue at the bottom, a bit o green at the top and blended together.

Auction Wednesday "A Door Through Which We Will All Pass"

Every Wednesday for the past couple of months, I've been auctioning off a piece of art on my facebook page. Here is today's piece

 "A Door Through Which We Will All Pass"

Glass

16.25"x14.25"

12 Lbs.

This is a framed wall relief piece. There is a bracket in the back of the frame for hanging.

I like the ambiguity of door imagery. Where does the door lead? What's on the other side? Am I on the inside being protected? Or blocked from freedom? Am I on the outside wishing for entry. To me they raise questions. They suggest possibilities and options. But also, as I was sadly reminded this week with the loss of a friend, they sometimes represent a finality. A door that can never be reopened. They hold a mystery, both the hopeful and the mournful.

How this auction works:

Go to my Facebook Page

Bid as new comment ( or message me for secret bids)

No minimum starting bid

No reserve

Auction ends midnight EST tonight

Payments to be made by paypal ( i'll message winner)

Shipping is additional. ( estimate $30 to west coast )

You can also pick it up at my home in Baltimore, or my studio in Mount Rainier, MD

Extra Credit: If you are a contributor to my Patreon page and win this piece, you'll get a free gift with it. https://www.patreon.com/seanhennessey

#auctionwednesday #doors #glassart

Auction

Every Wednesday I've been auctioning off a piece on my facebook page. It's been a way for me to sell work, but also to interact with people who have interest with what I'm making. It's a great way to move older pieces out of the studio to make room for more, and have the cash to buy materials, and just get a snese if people like what i'm doing and want to help me out.

Here is this weeks offering

Inner Strength

Glass, Enamel, Steel Frame

16.5"x12"

11lbs.

You can go bid on it HERE

Auction!

I'm auctioning off a sculpture today.

Bid on it HERE
or send me a text 202.550.4634 (include your name)

New Piece.

Artful Flow II at Otis Street Arts Project

We're hosting this tonight down on Otis Street. 

ARTFUL FLOW II

We had so much fun flowing this July, we are back at it again.

Otis Street Arts Project and Bluebird Sky Yoga are teaming up to bring you a yoga class on Thursday, September 8. Come join us for a 60-minute all-levels flow, set to the sounds of a live DJ. Flow amidst art from Otis Street Art Projects resident artists, and spend time exploring their creative works after class.

WHEN

Thursday September 8th, 2016 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT) -

WHERE

Otis Street Arts Project

3706 Otis Street, Mount Rainier, MD

HOW MUCH

$15

Get tickets HERE, or pay at the door.

Bluebird Sky Yoga

Organizer of Artful Flow II

Bluebird Sky Yoga was founded in order to bring yoga, music, art, and more to Brookland. We are located in one of DC's most creative neighborhoods in a former craft store, and honor the creativity of the city through our murals and art-focused events. 

Facebook Event Page

Illuminated Glass Relief Sculpture

For the past 4 years, the majority of my glass work has been Illuminated Wall relief pieces.
I love the way the light transmits and amplifies the textures and nuances of the glass. The backlighting has allowed me to explore my more painterly style by adding layers of paint on the front, the back ,and 3 or four layers in between.

I've added most of the piece to my facebook page HERE. please check it out and share the album with anyone you know that might be interested in owning one or a few.

I'm on Patreon

I decided to put up a page on an artists crowdfunding site.

Click HERE to see my page. I could definitely use your support.
If you care to pass it along to others, I'd appreciate that too.

If you are also an artist and want to set up your own page, please do so using my referral link by clicking HERE.


Thank you.

Gateway Arts District Open Studio Tour on Saturday May 14th Noon-5:00

Gateway Community Development Corporation welcomes you to the 12th Annual Gateway Open Studio Tour in the Prince George's County Gateway Arts District, home to one of the DC metro area's most innovative and creative artist communities. On Saturday, May 14th, 2016, from 12-5 p.m., Gateway Arts District artists, studios and galleries will open their doors to the public.   My studio Otis Street Arts Project is excited to be participating. I'll have some new pieces, some works in progress, some old works.  Plenty for you to buy. Two of our Artists will be demonstrating aspects of their studio process 1:00 Jenna North will be doing a demo of painting on water. 2:00 Hebron Chism will be showing his carving techniques. In addition to being able to see the work of our resident artists, we'll have the fantastic Plastic Sky playing her lyrical ambient dreamscape music for you. From 5-8pm, the Gateway Arts Center will host an After Party and an Opening Reception at the 39th Street Gallery. Come spend the day exploring our creative spaces! 3706 & 3708 Otis Street  Mount Rainier. MD We'll have maps and information for all the surrounding studios. Here's a PDF version Facebook Page

Available pieces

These are some of the pieces I have available currently.

SCOPE NYC

I'm exhibiting at SCOPE NYC this year with Habatat Galleries.
If you are in New York this week, swing by to say hi and see my new work in booth F11!

Stasis
3'x2'

Dream of Flight
3'x2'

Taking Stock
3'x2'

SCOPE

March 3-6

639 W46th Street 

NY, NY

https://www.facebook.com/events/1770912363136654/

Exhibitions and such winter/ spring 2016

I have a few things happening right now.

Otis Street Arts Project Artists at Logan Fringe Arts Space

A number of my studio mates at Otis Street Arts Project an I have work up in the Logan Fringe Arts Space. A cool showing of our different styles and approaches to artmaking.  Come see some art. grab a drink. maybe see a few plays.

Artists:
Sean Hennessey, David Mordini, Gloria Chapa, Hebron Chism, M.L. Duffy, Liz Lescault, Alma Selimovic, GrinGoh

Reception: Thursday February 4th 7-11PM
The exhibit runs through March 1
Facebook Event Page
Logan Fringe Arts Space
1358 Florida Ave NE
Washington, DC 20002



DC 5, a Glass Narrative at OKAY SPARK

My other studio home is the Washington Glass School. A collection of artists at WGS will be exhibiting glass pieces at OKAY Spark Gallery in Norfolk, Virginia.

Artists: Sean Hennessey, Tim Tate, Michael Janis, Audrey Wilson, Erwin Timmers.

Reception: Friday February 5th 6-8PM
Exhibit runs through March 6th

Okay Spark Gallery
801 Boush Street
Norfolk, Va



SCOPE NYC with Habatat Galleries

I will be showing some exciting new work at SCOPE with Habatat Galleries.

SCOPE NYC
March 3-6
639 W. 49th St
New York, NY



44th Annual International Glass Invitational at Habatat Gallery

I'm excited to once again be participating in the International Glass exhibition at Habatat Gallery in Royal Oak, Michigan. It's a huge show with some of the worlds best artists working in glass. It's a crazy huge honer to be showing with these stellar artists.

VIP events: May 5-7th
Grand Opening May 7th 8-10 PM

Habatat Gallery
4400 Fernlee Ave
Royal Oak, Michigan



Open Studios May 14th

There will be an Open Studio Tour on Saturday May 14th for all studios within the Gateway Arts District of Prince George's County, MD

Be sure to stop by my place!

Otis Street Arts Project
3706 & 3708 Otis Street
Mount Rainier, MD 20712

I'll post more details later.