Chris Pantano
“The inspiration for my work comes from a variety of sources, including the unique qualities of glass itself, especially in it’s molten state. The almost unlimited possibilities to play with color, form and texture, provide a great avenue for creative expression. However, much inspiration is drawn from the rich diversity of Australia’s natural environments, the reef, the rain forest, wildflowers, the Outback and the colors and textures of the Australian landscape.”
Chris Pantano is a self-taught artist craftsman working with glass using kiln forming, fusing, casting and blowing techniques.
“I have a non-traditional approach to glass as a material through which I create objects, mostly non-functional. My mood of the day plays a major role in determining what I will create. This allows me to take full advantage of the various qualities of glass as I coax the material into a form which is truly expressive of my creativity at the moment.”
Chris Pantano has elected to use simple classical forms as a canvas, emphasizing the fluidity of hot glass in the build up of internal layers of color, to create three-dimensional depth within the piece. “I create the designs in layers within the glass much the same as a painter would on his canvas.” This is especially noticeable in series such as Rainforest, Reef, Outback, and Wildflowers, where the emotional and sensual impact of vibrant color combinations draws the viewer into the depth and soul of each piece.
Pantano’s work has been exhibited throughout Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Japan and the United States. He has won numerous awards and received national and international recognition for his glass.