Paul Stankard Signed Round Hand Blown Glass Botanical Paperweight with Face in Roots

Artist: Paul Stankard
Title: Botanical with Face in Roots
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Size: 2 1/2" high x 3" diameter
Inscription: Signed and dated by artist "Paul J. Stankard 2001"
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity

Best known for his lifelike renditions of natural elements including flowers and insect, Paul Stankard also likes to experiment with adding human elements to his handblown glass paperweights. With repeated motifs including his iconic "Root People", these unexpected touches infuse his work with personality and artistry.

In this 2001 handblown glass paperweight, the face in the roots is an unexpected touch in a this dense flower landscape. Stankard’s remarkable technical ability is on full display here, executing a range of flowers and leaves with astonishingly lifelike details. This paperweight is more than meets the eye; revealing has layers of depth and enjoyment for the viewer.

Measuring 2 1/2" high x 3" diameter Paul Stankard's 2001 hanbdlown glass paperweight "Botanical with Root Person" is singed and dated in glass by the artist "Paul J. Stankard V 12 2000". The work also includes the original Leo Kaplan blow and a gallery certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact.

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.