Craft in America - Exhibition - between-the-lines-john-luebtow-and-stephen-edwards

Between the Lines: John Luebtow and Stephen Edwards

This exhibition pairs the work of two long-standing, luminary glass sculptors, Stephen Edwards and John Luebtow. Insatiably curious about process, both artists consistently push the boundaries of material exploration and technical development. Working in varying scales and sizes, they have each proven the adaptability for glass as a sculptural and expressive medium. For both artists, work begins and has largely emanated from the line, which defines their forms. Reading into their works and between the lines always unveils existential messages and added layers of philosophical and personal meaning.

Works in the exhibition include Luebtow’s initial entry point into the art world via ceramics in the late 1960s, when he first considered concepts of line, form, color, and spirituality. With an overlapping artistic ideology, the exhibition will feature never-before shown recent sculptures by Edwards, as well as quintessential, retrospective works spanning the past two decades.

In addition to illustrious careers, the two masters have been instrumental in creating powerful education programs and facilities in glass and have taught scores of students; Luebtow at Harvard-Westlake School here in Los Angeles, and Edwards at Alfred University in New York. Anecdotally, the two artists are also tied by a teacher/student relationship: Edwards was once a budding high school art student of Luebtow. Their artistic and personal lineage is multifaceted.