David Thai (Choi Kei Hoi)
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Glass is the medium that best reflects my
innermost feelings. When approaching glass in its fluid state,
I am deeply moved by the metamorphosis from a molten state to
the solidified shape of my design.
As the Italian glass artist Livio Seguso said,
glass is “a material that seems to be born out of the sea
to live in the air shaped by fire; it fascinates and ignites the
imagination.”
Signature Series
& Classical Series:
One unique feature of my work is the use of silver foil on the
surface of the blown glass in both of my “Signature Series”
and “Classical Series”. This silver foil is specially
ordered from Japan.
This “Classical Series” is the interpretation
of the classical Asian vessels. In the “Atlas Series”,
the silver leaf decoration on the surface of the vessel represents
the surface of imaginary planets. The shape of the vessel is fashioned
after one of the four parts of the star maps of the Constellations.
I am also inspired by the intricate cane work
of Italian master glass blowers and designers. Through the exploration
of these techniques, I attempt a balance of craftsmanship and
concept.
Bounty Series:
Another body of work was inspired by memories of my childhood
fishing experiences in Asia is the “Bounty Series”.
The very intricate cane pattern “Reticello” represents
fishing nets. “It has always been a bountiful experience
whether it was a net full of fish or just a few, I am always thankful
of what is given to me.”
Reticello is a very old Venetian cane technique,
which produces wonderfully interesting effects. It is also one
of the most labour intensive and difficult techniques to accomplish
correctly. When completed correctly, it yields an optic illusion
of a fish net pattern with small air bubbles trapped within each
intersecting field. Reticello technique continues to be one of
the most challenging and visually exciting of all Venetian-styled
techniques.
Stylobate Series:
Currently, I am developing a new body of work called Stylobate,
which combines basic glass forming skills with a Reticello technique
and incorporating Japanese Silver Foil. Stylobate is the uppermost
step of the platform that supports columns in classical architecture.
It is capable of supporting the load of the whole building. Stylobate,
as an equivalent to glass- forming, is the three fundamental shapes
that every hot glass-forming artist should learn. They are the
Cylinder, Sphere and Cone.
My work has always attempted to balance
technique and concept. This new style of work is perfect for my
field of specialty because it requires both technique and concept.
I am always fine-tuning the techniques used to create new work.
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