Paul Stankard Signed 1998 Hand Blown Glass Paperweight with Root People, Ant, Blueberries, and Flowers

Artist: Paul Stankard
Title: Fertile
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Size: 2 1/4" high x 3" diameter
Inscription: Signed, numbered, and dated 'Paul J. Stankard H42 1998'
Year: 1998
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity

Paul J. Stankard's "Fertile" paperweight, created in 1998, is a masterful example of his renowned artistry in glasswork. This exquisite hand blown piece, measuring 2 1/4 inches in height and 3 inches in diameter, showcases a vibrant microcosm of nature encased within a clear, round paperweight. At its core, the artwork features intricately detailed elements including an ant, blueberries, red pomegranate seeds, and delicate pink and white flowers. Adding a whimsical touch, Stankard has incorporated his signature root people, tiny ethereal figures intertwined with the plant roots, symbolizing a mystical connection to the earth.

Paul Stankard's "Fertile" is titled, signed, numbered, and dated 'Paul J. Stankard H42 1998' and includes a gallery certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact.

About Paul Stankard

Paul Stankard has elevated the paperweight to a celebrated form of fine art, earning recognition as one of the world's foremost glass artists. His remarkable creations are featured in esteemed institutions such as the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C., the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Louvre in Paris.

Born in 1943, Stankard began his glassworking career crafting scientific instruments. However, in 1969, he transitioned to creating paperweights, motivated by a desire to apply his technical skills to more creative pursuits. Utilizing meticulous techniques, Stankard pioneered the inclusion of hyper-realistic botanicals within his paperweights, often causing viewers to mistake his glass flowers for real ones. Each element is carefully crafted with precise attention to detail in color and texture before being assembled. His work extends beyond aesthetics to encapsulate entire natural ecosystems, from intricate insects to delicate root systems.

In an art world often focused on modern trends, Stankard's timeless designs and stunning realism distinguish him. His work reflects a deep spiritual connection to botany, highlighting the beauty found in nature's most unexpected details. Beyond his glass artistry, Stankard is also an accomplished author, enriching the world with his poetry, articles, and two published books.