During one of my recent walks in the city, I stopped by Harbourfront Centre to see an art exhibit of glass vessels. Glass vessels have been so integral in our lives. It’s hard to imagine what we would do without them: Drinking glasses hold our water and wine, vases beautifully display flowers, bowls contain tasty snacks, jars store our food, and bottles keep perfume and serum…Just to name a few.
At the exhibit, the work of two artists, Nadira Narine and Jared Last, caught my eyes. I’m sharing some photos of their collections. The items were displayed behind glass vitrines (another form of glass vessels?) so please excuse the glare and reflections in my photos.
Nadira Narine’s glass vases
At first glance, the vases look like they are made of clay but a closer look shows the beautiful glass work by Nadira Nadine. I like the warm colour combinations which likely come from her cultural roots as she was raised in Panama City, Panama.
Her bio explained that she’s been living in Canada for the last seven years and she explores objects and memories from her childhood for the purpose of self-exploration and a sense of connection to home.
Jared Last’s glass bowls
Jared Last’s bio explained that he’s a Toronto-based artist who has been working in glass since 2011. He holds a BFA in Glass from the Alberta College of Art and Design where he graduated with distinction in 2016.
Jared’s glass bowls with deep colours and black wavy lines are eye catching. I think each of them is a conversation-starter. They reflect his interest in colour, pattern, architecture and the unique optical properties of glass to create both functional and sculptural works.
What made me smile when I viewed the exhibit?
- The glass vessels are visually interesting with beautiful colours, designs, and shapes.
- The displays give me ideas to arrange my own glass vessels at home: a single item, a pair, or a group of similar items.
- I learn about the artists and their portfolios, and look forward to seeing more of their work in the future.
- Admission to the exhibit is free to the public, making art accessible to everyone.
- The exhibit is on until June 7, 2020 which gives people lots of time to visit and revisit.
Here’s a glass bottle that I bought in Denmark during my travels. It continues to bring me joy:
What do you think of the exhibit? If you have a favourite glass vessel of your own, please feel free to share it in the Comments. Comments with links or images attached will be moderated.
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Natalie the Explorer 
These glass vases, bottles and bowls are so fun to look at. I love the uneven and tilted style of Nadira’s bowls and striped patterns on Jared’s. They are all definitely conversation starters. Your bottle from Denmark looks a little like a milk bottle, with some milk dripping down. Is that the idea? At first I thought there was something inside – I would definitely enjoy any of these in my home!
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Hi Barbara, My glass bottle has blue at the bottom and some white swirls on one side. It’s concave and feels nice to hold in my hands. I didn’t get to talk to the artist when I bought it but I think your idea of a milk bottle is a great one.
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These are such beautiful pieces, Natalie. I can certainly see why the glass bottle you bought in Denmark brings so much joy. Thanks for sharing!
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I’m glad you liked these pieces, Jill. Thank you for stopping by.
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I really like the old ones in the beginning, they are very beautiful!
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I’m glad you liked them, Maria. Thank you for stopping by.
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Natalie, that glass bottle is beautiful. I can see why it makes you smile. I love delicate glass with interesting shapes, but adding color always takes a piece to another level.
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Thank you, Suzanne, for your comment. I like the understated beauty of my glass bottle and it reminds me of the good times I had in Denmark. It must be tricky for the artist to add the blue and white colours in the bottle.
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Those glass vases and bowls are so beautiful! A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to create a glass ornament, which really opened my eyes to the artistry involved.
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Janis, It must be fun to create your own glass ornament. There is a glass studio near my place that offers workshops. I’d like to try it one day. The heat is intense so it may be a nice winter activity.
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Oh my goodness these are beautiful. Literal works of art.
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Yes, I think each item is a beauty and they come in several colour choices, too.
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I have not given glass vessels much thought until your post, Natalie. Your photos are beautiful! Worth sharing, even if the items are behind glass. I Googled BFA in glass and a number of schools in Canada. New information for me. I especially liked your “what made me smile.” Kudos to you for carrying home a glass bottle from Denmark in your travels. Like you say, it continues to bring you joy. A fun and interesting post!
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Hi Erica/ Erika, Good for you to look up BFA in glass and schools in Canada. I like to learn about the artists and their background whenever I see new-to-me artwork. I usually don’t buy breakable souvenirs when I travel. The glass bottle from Denmark somehow made it home with me 🙂
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My favourites are the striped series.
SSG xxx
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They’re visually attractive. Thank you, SSG, for stopping by.
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I LOVE coloured glass Natalie – whenever I see it displayed I have to stop and admire it – I’m particularly fond of the vibrant shades and loved Jared’s zig zaggy ones.
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I’m glad you liked these glass vessels, Leanne. I found my tribe 🙂
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Hi Natalie – just popping back for #MLSTL and to say that I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
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Thank you, Leanne, for hosting and sharing. I greatly appreciate it.
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I do like particularly the glass bottle (glass sculpture?) that you bought in Denmark. Lovely curving surface. I’m stick with pottery and stoneware because of my tendency to drop things, and little of my glassware has been sturdy enough to survive for long. My favorite potter/artist to date is Andy Bissonnette (andy bissonnette pottery will bring up his site), whose hand-carved pottery for everyday use appeals to me. He’s a friend of one my nephews and used to live here in our area.
The glass bowls are quite lovely, also. Attractive patterned lines. New to me, and interesting. Thank you!
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Thank you, Lizl, for your visit and comment. I looked up Andy Bissonnette and his pottery. I can see how his pottery appeals to you. Beauty and function in one. Thank you for mentioning him. I learned something new.
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Looks like a colorful show. Cool that it is freely open to the public. Of the ones you showed, I like the vases that look almost ceramic but are glass. Very cool.
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I’m glad you liked the glass vases, Trent. Thank you for stopping by.
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I love glass art. These are all fabulous. #SeniSal
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That’s great to hear Darlene. Thank you for stopping by.
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These glass bowls are simply gorgeous. I love the milk bottle you have also…so stunning and different. #SeniSal
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I’m glad you liked these glass vessels, Bree. Thank you for stopping by.
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I do wish that we lived in the same city, Natalie. I would follow your lead on great finds like this exhibition. Of course that would also mean that we could meet for coffee. Win, win!
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Oh, Donna, that would be super. There is a coffee place on site with beautiful lake view, cool vibes, and most importantly good coffee. I hope this moves Toronto up on your list of places to return 🙂
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Glass is exquisite like this. I recall my parents having some beautiful glass pieces. I have no idea where they ended up but that brought back memories.
Yours looks superb too.
Thank you for linking up for Life This Week. Next week’s optional prompt is: 11/51 My Neighbourhood 16.3.2020. Hope to see you there too. Denyse.
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Denyse, I’m glad these glass vessels brought back memories of your parents’ beautiful glass pieces. Thank you for stopping by.
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These are so beautiful and clever Natalie. I love the second set of photos with the orange rim, so lovely! What a great exhibition and I love your reasons and how they made you smile. #mlstl
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I’m glad you liked these glass vessels, Debbie. Orange is a happy colour and the artist created beautiful vases with the orange rim.
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These are some wonderful works of art! I love them all and they certainly made me smile 🙂
Your link-up at ‘My Corner of the World’ is very much appreciated!
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I’m glad the glass artwork made you smile, Betty. Thank you for stopping by.
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These glass pieces are gorgeous, Natalie!
Happy Wednesday!
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Thank you, Veronica, for your comment. Happy Wednesday to you, too.
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These are so beautiful!
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Thank you, Beth, for your visit and comment. I’m glad you liked these glass vessels. I like your Reflections photos this week.
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Beautiful glass vessels! I have long been a collector of pottery, but I love glass too, although I only have a few pieces. As I write this, I am looking at a beautiful glass ball suspended in my dining room window from the local glass artist Robert Held. I don’t know if you visited his studio in Parksville?
Jude
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Jude, How wonderful that you have a glass ball from Robert Held. I read about him and saw his stunning glass art designs online. I didn’t visit his studio in Parksville due to a schedule conflict and I was there just for two nights. It’s on my list when I revisit Vancouver Island.
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Beautiful!
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Thank you, Ianus, for your visit and comment.
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I think I’m gonna need one of those. Been sad and anxious lately. Haha thanks for sharing!
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Thank you, Camille, for your visit and comment. I hope you find something nice to cheer you up. A walk in nature keeps me calm and content. Have a good day!
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