Fossil

Kilnforned Glass
19.5-inch diameter x 27 inches tall on base

There is an additional view of this piece.

Fossil is from the Axxcept Series. The Axxcept series is a visually stunning exploration of the many contrasts in glass as an artistic medium. Employing complex, often tedious methods, Immerman has succeeded in creating a body of work that is elegant at first glance and provocative at closer inspection. Through his ability to work the glass hot, warm, and cold, Immerman halts the 'movement' of the glass as though frozen in time. Dismantled and reconstructed elements mystify the viewer to consider the painterly qualities of the finished piece.

In the Axxcept Series, Immerman exploits the contrast between the organic nature of the central squares set amid the hard linear ground. His masterful use of color creates warmth and depth despite the relevant contrasts.

Aptly named, the central square of Fossil has a fossil-like quality to its aesthetic. In viewing it in person, it is almost shocking to think it is handmade rather than formed by forces of nature. In its abstraction, you can 'see' fossilized life forms.

Beautifully presented on the black metal stand, Fossil looks gorgeous in natural and artificial lighting situations. Fossil measures 19.5-inch diameter x 27 inches tall on base. $3000.

About his process...

Working in glass, Steve Immerman implements uncommon variations in surfaces and textures, which although allowed by the medium, remain unexpected. In viewing his work, one encounters an element of surprise that it is glass. Yet, once that realization is met, it seems only natural that it is glass and that no other medium would allow him to achieve what he has. Immerman explores the transformation of glass from its perceived state of translucence and gloss into an explosion of color with a less glass-like appearance. He uses colors, patterns, and textures to create glass artwork that invokes memories and images of beautiful places, things, and ideas.

Immerman received a Bachelor of Science in Medicine from Northwestern University, Chicago Illinois. He is currently a senior partner in a surgical practice in the Midwest. With much of his practice centering on Oncology, Immerman began to study and work in glass in 1993 as a way to separate himself from his work. Although deeply committed to his medical practice, Immerman has begun to attract attention in the glass world for his unique approach to glass. He has found his artistic voice in this wonderful medium.

The process: Immerman pre-cuts glass into an array of shapes and sizes. As you can see, they are all quite small. Generally, he begins with a small square or rectangle form, working the design out around it. Once satisfied with the design, the entire piece is fired and annealed in a kin. The piece may return to the kiln several times until the aesthetics have been met. Once satisfied, the cooled glass is then sandblasted.

This is done by placing it into an incubator-like structure. High-pressure sand is blasted onto the piece. This creates little pits in the surface of the glass, giving the glass opacity. Then comes the hard work. Immerman proceeds to hand sand the glass in a wet and tedious process. He begins with a low grit (50) and progressing to a fine grit (600) grain. Generally, the central area or the "image area" is sanded to a low sheen, whereby the perimeter is a bit rougher. The contrast in surfaces directs your eye into the work. Sometimes Immerman will carve areas of the sculpture to create relief.