Richmond-based artist Kiara Pelissier has long been fascinated by the magical and transformative nature of glass.
The artist: Born in Mexico, Pelissier grew up in Connecticut in a multi-generational family of artists.
She later graduated with a BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art and earned an MFA in Craft and Material Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Richmond. Aside from three years abroad, she has lived there since 2004.
In addition to her university studies, Pelissier has taken classes and been a teacher’s assistant at several well-known craft schools, including:
– Penland School of Craft (NC), where she blew her first bubbles.
– Haystack Mountain School of Crafts (ME).
– The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass (NY).
– Pilchuck Glass School (WA).
The company/studio: Kiara Pelissier Studios LLC is based in Richmond. Pelissier’s studio is an industrial building outside her home. She shares the building space with her father (a metalsmith) and a couple other artists.
In the beginning: Her father signed her up for her first glass blowing class when she was 19. The process of blowing glass was love and intrigue at first sight.
Why glass: “I love everything from the smell of the hot shop to the glow and elasticity of the material in its molten state,” said Pelissier.
“It’s a magical, transformative material, capable of bending and refracting light, of impersonating other materials, or revealing all with 100 percent transparency.”
Art and materials: Small-scale to large-scale glass sculptures ($40 to $25,000). Some pieces rest on surfaces while others, like her anemones and solid-sculpted rings, are designed for the wall.
Favorite tools: The handmade, steel tools of the glassblowing trade, along with a sketchbook and a blue, BIC ballpoint pen.
What’s popular: The Knot Trio ($165 to $175) and the Crumple, ($500 to $1,500) are fun pieces that add a fresh pop of color to any room..
Inspirations: Her visceral response to certain subject matter, and the material’s capabilities of communicating that.
“I often think of dance when I make or arrange my pieces,” said Pelissier. “I want them to feel alive, so I focus a great deal on their gestures, even though they are not figurative.”
Special or unusual commissions:
- Make a piece inspired by her feelings toward mathematics.
- Create a piece out of 100% recycled, industrial glass.
“Bottle Sphere” was made from recycled (re-melted) beer bottles.
Recent awards/honors: Visual Arts Center of Richmond Craft + Design Show: Priscilla Burbank and Mike Schewel Glass Award, 2018.
What’s next: Two exhibitions in Virginia:
- “Submerged in Sleep” at the Highpoint Gallery in Richmond, Nov. 4 -Dec. 3.
- “House on Fire,” a solo show at the Quirk Gallery in Charlottesville, June 22-Aug. 27.
Where to buy:
- Kiarapelissier.com
- Alma’s RVA gallery and shop in Richmond (almasrva.com).
Get social:
- Instagram and Facebook: @KiaraPelissierStudios
