Toots Zynsky Images
Toots Zynsky builds amorphous, glass vessels that defy
categorization, her objects inhabiting a region where painting,
sculpture, and the decorative arts meet. In this interview,
Zynsky discusses the early days of the American studio glass
movement when she was a student of Dale Chihuly's at the
Rhode Island School of Design and at Pilchuck Glass School.
Zynsky also gives insight into her ideas about color and
technique and the inspiration and insight she's gained from
her extensive travels.
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Libertá (Liberty), fused
glass threads. Toots Zynsky (American, b. 1951). United States,
Providence, Rhode Island, 2004. H. 25.4, W. 47.1, D. 26.
The Corning Museum of Glass (2004.4.28, gift in part of the
family of Laura R. Houghton, by exchange).
Waterspout No. 13, blown and
hot-worked glass.Toots Zynsky (American, b. 1951). With the
assistance of Richard Royal (American, b. 1952). United States,
Seattle, Washington, designed in 1979 and made in 1994. H.
24.3, L. 51.1 cm. The Corning Museum of Glass (95.4.27).
Pajaritos en la Cabeza (Little birds in
the head) and Cabellos de Angel (Angel hair), fused
glass threads. Toots Zynsky (American, b. 1951). The Netherlands,
Amsterdam, 1988. H. 16.6, W. 34.7, D. 21.2 cm; H. 16.4, W. 35.8,
D. 22 cm. The Corning Museum of Glass (88.3.45, The 3rd Rakow Commission).
Boiling water in a
paper cup using hot glass, photo of a collaborative "event" by Buster Simpson (American, b. 1942) and
Toots Zynsky at Pilchuck Glass School, 1973. Photo: courtesy
Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, Washington.
Video stills from
Hot Glass/Plate Glass by Buster Simpson and Toots
Zynsky. Filmed at Pilchuck Glass School, 1973. Photo: courtesy
Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, Washington.