Kent Kahlen Works

Artist's Statement

I started out in a different direction. I was on my way to becoming a chiropractor… then I happened on glass blowing. Glass was one of those pesky art electives you must take in order to get your degree. Let's just say I fell in love with the molten stuff immediately! I abandoned the idea of being a doctor and went for something I was passionate about, GLASS. That was in 1988 and I haven't looked back ever since.

For me, the making of glass sculpture is a meditative process, I am greatly inspired by the transformative process; the evolution of the medium from its raw state of sand into a translucent, crystalline, glass form.  In my sculptures I am concerned with the relationship between form and space.  By manipulating organic, bio-morphic shapes with geometric shapes, I create works that convey a harmonious and cohesive, fluid design.

There is nothing simple about the glass blowing process. Something can go wrong at any stage in its production from melting the sand to putting the finished piece in the oven. This challenge is what has kept my interest for all the years I have been making glass. When I stop challenging myself with new ideas and techniques that will be the day I move on.