Natural Progressions

"Natural Progressions" is an exhibition of glass sculpture by Florida artist Rick Eggert and Quebec artists Cédric Ginart and Karina Guévin that explores the evolution of form over time as it occurs in nature. The Bender Gallery is the only gallery in the North Carolina dedicated exclusively to studio art glass and houses the region’s largest glass art collection. 

Included in the exhibition are sculptural groupings from Rick Eggert’s "Dynamic Cosmos" series. In this series, Rick examines the notions of creation and the nature of the universe. The groupings address the concepts of time, change, growth and movement to illustrate how the universe has evolved into its current state. The work is visually soothing and ephemeral.

Cédric and Karina’s unique sculptural work is inspired by the Victorian era and the “language of flowers.” The exhibition showcases a majestic wall installation of red magnolia flowers that appear to bloom and expire as time goes by. Also on display is an installation of red magnolia flowers and petals in bell jars of assorted shapes and sizes. The use of bell jars, which are used in laboratories for creating vacuums and protecting delicate objects, is significant, as Cédric is a scientific glassblower at Montreal University. In floriography, the meaning of the magnolia is love of nature and the color red is the meaning of passion and undying love.

Also on display will be seductive sculptural jewelry and blown vessels by Karina Guévin. Karina’s work celebrates sensuality, femininity and happiness and challenges the boundaries of feminine ornament.

The Bender Gallery is located at 12 S. Lexington Avenue in Asheville, North Carolina next door to the French Broad Chocolate Lounge. There is a new parking garage on S. Lexington Avenue behind the Aloft hotel as well as a garage on nearby Biltmore Avenue. The gallery’s winter hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday and Monday by appointment. For inquiries call 828-505-8341 or e-mail miles@thebendergallery.com. More info is available at www.thebendergallery.com