About The Work

Susan Gott’s work embodies an interest in mythological imagery, symbolism, and philosophies from historic and ancient cultures. Susan loves to travel and is interested in ancient civilizations, symbols of ritual art, and ancient myths. Gott sees how these myths connect us, most deeply, with our own nature and our place in this world. The resulting glass, with primitive qualities and metaphors, are a visual re—presentation of the cycles of life. The archetypal images that emerge explore spirituality, existence, humor, love, magic, dualities and the beauty of life. The human form is a vessel for connection to Spirit. The elements of this ancient, visual language have become enmeshed in her art as she creates a new mythos in glass.

About the Process

The casting process is intense and involves ladling the molten glass directly from the furnace at 2300° F. Timing, temperature and the casting team all have to work together with absolute accuracy to create each piece. Gott frequently works with a rigid sand mold technique, for it allows detail and the ability to work on a large scale. The interior images, symbols, inclusions and color are manipulated into the glass before it cools. After annealing, the individually created mold is destroyed. The glass sculpture must be ground and polished and the surfaces are enhanced with enamels, copper, gold leaf, patinas and etching. Combining glass with steel and stone brings yet another natural element to the sculpture. Sand casting combines aesthetic and allows an articulate yet raw method of expressing the ancient connection to the contemporary.

About the Artist, Susan Gott

Susan Gott’s work is internationally recognized and can be found in Museums, important collections and notable galleries,  as well as numerous public art collections. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in glass from Kent State University, undergraduate degree from Radford University, and furthered her studies in glass at the Pilchuck Glass School, Haystack, Arrowmont, and Penland Schools. Susan has completed notable large scale public artworks using cast glass; sculpture, bas-relief panels, lighting, fountains, seating, combining steel and stone, and these works are included in many public art collections.