Paul Stankard Signed Irregular Dome Hand Blown Glass Paperweight with Yellow Daffodils and Bee

Artist: Paul Stankard
Title: Yellow Daffodils and Bee
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Size: 5" x 3 1/4" x 3 1/4"
Inscription: Signed and dated by artist "Stankard 1981 #5"
Year: 1981
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity

Amidst the crowded landscape of modern glass artists, Paul Stankard stands out as a true visionary, renowned for his unparalleled ability to craft intricate details. Upon encountering Stankard's creations for the first time, many viewers are astonished, believing the botanicals and insects suspended within his paperweights to be genuine preserved specimens. However, in reality, each component is meticulously hand-blown and assembled by Stankard himself, before encasing them within the clear surrounding space.

This particular handblown glass paperweight showcases Stankard's signature motifs of florals and bees, here featuring sunny yellow daffodils. The composition is incased in a clear, irregular shaped dome; reflecting on the outside the organic form of the living subject matter on the inside. The masterful precision of Stankard's work is challenging to capture through mere photographs. Stankard's expertise has elevated the humble paperweight to the realm of fine art, rendering this piece equally suitable for adorning a desk or gracing a display case.

Paul Stankard's handblown glass paperweight with daffodils and bee is singed and dated by the artist "Stankard 1981 #5" and comes with a gallery certificate of authenticity.

About Paul Stankard

Paul Stankard has transformed the humble paperweight into a revered form of fine art, earning recognition as one of the world's most accomplished glass artists. Credited with elevating this everyday object to extraordinary heights, his creations now grace prestigious 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 embarked on his journey in glassworking by initially crafting scientific instruments as a glassblower. However, in 1969, he ventured into the realm of paperweights, driven by a desire to channel his technical expertise into more creative endeavors. Employing a meticulous technique, Stankard pioneered the incorporation of hyper-realistic botanicals within his paperweights, astonishing viewers who often mistook his glass blooms for genuine flowers. Each element of his paperweights is painstakingly crafted, with meticulous attention to detail in color and texture before assembly. Stankard's artistic vision transcends mere aesthetics, encompassing entire natural ecosystems, from intricate insects to delicate root systems.

In a contemporary art scene dominated by modern trends, Stankard's classical and timeless designs, imbued with stunning realism, set him apart. His work reflects a profound spiritual connection to botany, emphasizing the beauty inherent in the most unexpected corners of nature. Beyond his mastery in glass artistry, Stankard is a prolific author, sharing his insights through poetry, articles, and two published books, further enriching the world with his creative endeavors.