Juried into Online Exhibit
Jon Boley & Carrie Strope
'Succulent Fire' (Echeveria chinensis hybrids)
Jon Boley & Carrie Strope
Lincoln, NE United States
"Succulent Fire" is a collaboration with Jon Boley that redefines the possibilities of borosilicate glass through the innovative Freeze and Fuse (freeze-casting) technique. By modernizing ancient practices like pâte de verre and faïence, this method pushes the boundaries of borosilicate art. It enables the creation of sharp angles, precise gradients, and kiln-formed elements with exact color placement—all while minimizing waste through reusable silicone molds and eliminating binders and single-use materials. This scalable approach also allows for secondary molds to be cast from the smaller, naturally formed glass positives.
This piece celebrates the evolution of pipemaking, tracing its journey from clandestine, smoke-filled studios to recognition as fine art in institutions like The Corning Museum of Glass. Reflecting the collaborative ethos of the pipemaking community, "Succulent Fire" symbolizes the connections and creativity fostered by shared ideas. Its playful process encourages empathy and challenges singular perspectives, resulting in a work that is both groundbreaking and deeply collaborative,
The surreal hues and textures of Echeveria chinensis hybrid succulents served as the primary inspiration for this piece. These succulents disrupt our expectations of what a plant can be, just as Succulent Fire seeks to challenge perceptions of fine art. The unexpected interplay of colors and forms mirrors the lush yet alien beauty of the plant, while also camouflaging the functional components of the pipe within the organic, sculptural forms. This deliberate revelation encourages viewers to reconsider both the piece’s function and their definitions of art.
The work embodies resilience, growth, and transformation. Reimagined forms bridge the worlds of pipemaking and fine art, capturing the tension between fragility and strength, tradition and modernity, the familiar and the innovative. The piece invites a closer look, revealing how beauty and function coexist and evolve.
Through "Succulent Fire," we aim to challenge perceptions of material and method while cultivating a sense of acceptance, creativity, and transition. Inspired by the enduring nature of Echeveria succulents—plants that thrive through regeneration and renewal—this work celebrates the resilience of both the medium and the community that brings it to life.
Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 5 inches