Joseph Rossano


Exhibition Statement

"A FOREST IN SHADOW"

Nature is perfect in her imperfections.  Probably more than any other life form, we as humans exemplify that imperfection.  It is through our own blindness that we try to force the natural world into conforming to our misguided perception of perfection.  We say, “I am going to fix what nature can not fix herself.”  The reality is that the earth we live on is a dynamic system and humans, as well as all its other inhabitants, are both connected and dependant on nature and each other for their existence.

In this new body of work, I have focused on the interdependence of the natural world to create haunting images of animals, who like us, rely on our primeval forests for their existence.  The Ivory Billed Woodpecker, the Marbled Murrelet and the Spotted Owl, for a little while longer, will have mature forests in which to make their homes.  And we too, the human race, the ultimate predator, will also have these primeval forests from which to make our homes - but for how much longer?

When the forests are all gone, will we all go with them?

- Joseph Rossano

Arlington, Washington

February, 2007

Artist's Statement

As an artist, I manipulate form and content through my work, drawing inspiration from both historical and natural sources. My most recent works combine ancient Douglas fir with blown glass, found objects, and photographs created using antique camera equipment. Through the combination of these varied media, I seek to express the ephemeral and sometimes fragmented quality of our human experience and our relationship to the natural world.

My iconography is inspired by my experiences with nature, which began with childhood visits to my uncle's farm in the Catskill Mountains. Objects relating to activities such as beekeeping and water witching reflect my nostalgia for the fading traditions and crafts I first experienced as a child. For the last dozen years, I have lived in the Pacific Northwest and have developed an affinity for the rugged beauty of its temperate rainforests including its world-class trout rivers. The waning arts of fly tying and bamboo rod making are two crafts I practice which also play an important role in my visual art. Hand crafting tools helps me feel a connection with the natural world and develop a sense of place within the landscape. In this way, the images and objects within my compositions reflect both a personal sense of creation and longing for a time when a connection with nature was more a part of our daily existence and industry of survival.

Throughout my artistic life, I have been fortunate enough to work closely with highly accomplished artists including William Morris, Dale Chihuly, Lino Tagliapietra, Pino Signoretto, Richard Royal, and Martin Blank. Each of these individuals has contributed something to my technical development and appreciation for the formal elements of art making. Most recently, I have acted in creative position with Waterford Crystal to infuse new artistic sensibilities into their traditional forms and techniques of glass blowing and cold working. As with any collaborative processes, my aesthetic sensibilities are consequently inspired by my appreciation for their artistry and its focus on visual clarity and elegant formal properties.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ARTISTIC COORDINATOR/PROGRAM DIRECTOR, WATERFORD CRYSTAL, IRELAND
Development and coordination of Waterford Crystal's Artists in Residency program. Collaborating artists include: Dan Dailey, Richard Royal, Richard marquis, Hiroshi Yamano, and Dale Chihuly. 1997 to present

STUDIO MANAGER, DALE CHIHULY, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Played vital and integral part in the creative endeavors of the Chihuly operation. Head gaffer for Persian, Seaform, and Basket series. Worked with Italian Glass Masters Lino Tagliapietra and Pino Signoretto on Venetian series. Coordinated all glassblowing venues for the Chihuly Over Venice project. 1990-1996

APPRENTICE TO WILLIAM MORRIS, STANWOOD, WASHINGTON
Assisted William Morris in the execution of four series: Early Artifacts, Standing Stones, Stone Vessels, and River Rocks. Responsible for the organization of the studio and public demonstrations. 1988-1989

APPRENTICE TO WILLIAM DEXTER, BOYERTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA
Participated in fabrication of new glass studio. Held position as vital member of production glass-blowing team. 1987

SPECIAL PROJECTS
PERMANENT INSTALLATIONS, MARSHALL FIELDS, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Designed and executed nine-piece permanent installation for Marshall Field’s landmark Chicago store. Currently, using Waterford Crystal, working with Marshal Fields in designing and fabricating a chandelier and companion wall panels for beneath the State Street locations’ famous Tiffany Dome. 1999

ASSOCIATE GAFFER, PILCHUCK GLASS SCHOOL, STANWOOD, WASHINGTON
Worked with William Morris in the execution of work by the following artists: Italo Scanga, Judy Phaff, Patrick Reyntiens, Pike Powers. 1991 to 1993

Worked with Martin Blank in the execution of work by the following artists: Damian Priour, Andrew Ginzel and Christian James, Kurt Wallstab, Clifford Rainey, and james Watkins. 1991

Executed and assisted in the execution of a series of collaborative glass pieces between Richard Royal and Italo Scanga. 1991

DAN DAILEY (MASSACHUSETTS ART DEPARTMENT HEAD) SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Assisted Richard Royal and Benjamin Moore in the execution of a series of blown glass heads for Dan Dailey. 1987,1990

THOMAS BUECHNER, CURATOR, CORNING GLASS MUSEUM, NEW YORK

Worked with William Morris in the fabrication of blown glass sculpture representing Buechner’s interpretation of Wagner’s “Ring” 1987,1989

PUBLICITY
SOFA CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Spokesperson and coordinator for special events related to the Waterford Artists in Residency program. 1999

ARLINGTON TIMES/MARYSVILLE GLOBE
“Pure Form Glass jars Brighten Invitational Show” by Sara Arney, 7 July 1999

KCTS, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Appeared with Dale Chihuly on the Chihuly Over Venice project. 1998

SEATTLE EVENING, KCTS, SEATTLE WASHINGTON
Appeared with Dale Chihuly and crew working on Persians Series, 1991

THE HOME SHOW, KCTS, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Appeared with Dale Chihuly and crew working on Float Series, 1991

TODAY SHOW, NBC, USA
Appeared with William Morris and crew demonstrating the making of a Stone Vessel, 1989

EDUCATION
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY, LOUISIANA
Bachelor of Arts, Studio Arts, 1987

PILCHUCK GLASS SCHOOL, STANWOOD, WASHINGTON 1987

D.L. WHITEHEAD, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
MARK ARONER, GREENFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
Bamboo fly rod designs, construction