Tom Philabaum: Precarious Rocks
Precarious Rocks is a recent series by the award-winning Arizona glass artist, Tom Philabaum. This lively, colorful series, first explored by the artist in 2007, was conceived as sculptures on the organic, earthy theme of rocks composed of many parts or fragments that seemingly defy gravity by their precarious placement. By late 2009, the series evolved into the presentation of individual rocks and larger boulders in various groupings. This new direction breaks away from the traditional vessel form that has been Philabaum’s major artistic concern for many years, and reinforces his ongoing interest in developing new techniques and experimenting with form in the creation of art glass.
Since 1981, not only has Philabaum continued to produce an ever-expanding series of works using new and experimental glass techniques and forms, but he has contributed to the field through the commercial and educational realms. Philabaum Glass Gallery has exclusively represented glass artists since 1991. Serving on the board of directors of the Glass Art Society from 1993-97, he has assisted with running international glass conferences in Ohio, California, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Arizona. In 1998, he was invited to demonstrate his Handbuilt technique at the Glass Art Society’s 28th Annual Conference in Seto, Japan. The same year, Philabaum was honored with Arizona Governor’s Art Award for Artist of the Year. In 2000, he received the prestigious Arizona Arts Award from the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona and in 2001, he was integral in the founding of the Glass Studio at the Sonoran Art Foundation, dedicated to the education and appreciation of glass art.
Major funding for this exhibition is provided by:
The Stonewall Foundation
Additional support provided by:
The Art Institute of Tucson
Janie and Merlin Cohen
Michael Hanson
M & I Wealth Management
Anne and Edward Lyman
Maryann Evans and Edwin Roos
Lodge on the Desert
