Leah Wingfield & Steven Clements Truth is, I’m a little stumped on this one. I’ve been trying to think about the questions regarding the future that have been posed for this year’s catalog and I can’t seem to summon anything very compelling or interesting. I just haven’t thought of it much and the more I think about it...well here goes. Goal #1 - Make sculpture until I die. Most likely will happen sometime in the next 50 years, but I am really healthy. Goal #2 - Sell a piece to a museum this year. This one is for Ferd, to see if he reads this. Goal #3 - Find the opportunity to make monumental sculpture. Goal #4 - Always stay fresh, interested and willing to change. As I am technically entering the Mid-Career Artist stage, I figure I am also in the Pre-Curmudgeon stage and therefore will air a few pet peeves that I hope to see resolved in the glass sculpture world in the next 50 years. Peeve #1 - I would like to see the practice of making molds of found objects abolished in teaching casting and to see the skill of actual sculpting and modeling taught. Peeve #2 - I would like to see artists find another story to tell that doesn’t involve making replicas of clothes by dipping them in wax and casting them. Peeve #3 - I would like to see the day when glassblowers knocking off Dale Chihuly don’t innocently exclaim “Chihuly who?” Peeve #4 - I would like to see the day when galleries stop carrying that knock off work. Peeve #5 - I would like to see the day when the escalating discount game is seen for what it is unnecessary, detrimental & disrespectful. Lastly I do hope to see a renaissance of ideas that match the incredible level of skill that is prevalent in glass. The plastic nature of glass and the possibilities for using it for deep, soulful expression have hardly been explored. When this happens, it will be very exciting. Okay, so a couple of thoughts came up. See you at the 100th, Corey & Aaron, I am really healthy! - Leah Wingfield OK, here’s the thing: My brain only allows me to peer 5 years into the future. I see continuing to have sculptural “Conversations...” with wife & partner, Leah. Having worked hot glass for the last 45 years (that’s right - 1968, one year after graduating from the Summer of Love)...I’m just shooting for another 5, to make an even 50. After that, my dear friends & comrades... you’re on your own. My request to the upcoming glass generations - do not recycle what has already been done. Be creative, be original. That alone will make the next 50 as amazing as the last 50. What a long, strange trip it’s been. - Stephen Jon Clements Conversations...#19 - 2012 42 x 15.5 x 11” Cast glass and steel
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