Artist Talk: John Luebtow and Stephen Edwards
On the occasion of the exhibition, Between the Lines, John Luebtow and Stephen Edwards talk about their overlapping early development in Los Angeles, careers as teaching artists, and how they used their experience to build state-of-the-art shops for glassmaking on the West and East coasts.
recorded-talks-and-interviews
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Between the Lines: John Luebtow and Stephen Edwards Opening Reception
Please join the artists to celebrate the opening of this exhibition featuring innovative work in glass and ceramics.
Stephen Edwards
Stephen Dee Edwards graduated from Illinois State University with a Master of Fine Arts Degree in 1980. In 1982 he established his first private glass studio in Micaville, North Carolina. It was close to the Penland School of Crafts where he worked as an artist-in-residence.
In 1988 he began teaching at Alfred University in New York State, where he taught for 22 years, building one of the largest hot glass programs in the United States. Edwards retired from teaching in 2010 to work full time in his home glass studio in Alfred Station, New York. In 2014 he moved to the Ojai Valley in California, where he now continues his studio practice.
Edwards’ work can be found in over 30 public collections including the National Art Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution, Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, Corning Museum of Glass and he has exhibited in numerous galleries and museums across the globe. Edwards is a member of the international Glass Art Society (GAS) and a former President of GAS.
Between the Lines: John Luebtow and Stephen Edwards
This exhibition pairs the work of two long-standing, luminary glass sculptors, Stephen Edwards and John Luebtow. Insatiably curious about process, both artists consistently push the boundaries of material exploration and technical development. Working in varying scales and sizes, they have each proven the adaptability for glass as a sculptural and expressive medium. For both artists, work begins and has largely emanated from the line, which defines their forms. Reading into their works and between the lines always unveils existential messages and added layers of philosophical and personal meaning.
Works in the exhibition include Luebtow’s initial entry point into the art world via ceramics in the late 1960s, when he first considered concepts of line, form, color, and spirituality. With an overlapping artistic ideology, the exhibition will feature never-before shown recent sculptures by Edwards, as well as quintessential, retrospective works spanning the past two decades.
In addition to illustrious careers, the two masters have been instrumental in creating powerful education programs and facilities in glass and have taught scores of students; Luebtow at Harvard-Westlake School here in Los Angeles, and Edwards at Alfred University in New York. Anecdotally, the two artists are also tied by a teacher/student relationship: Edwards was once a budding high school art student of Luebtow. Their artistic and personal lineage is multifaceted.
Virtual Gallery
Click and drag, or use your arrow keys, to see a 360º view of the virtual space.
![John Luebtow, Trinity 1: In search of meaning, 1968, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Luebtow-Trinity-1_In-search-of-meaning-Clay-Cone-10-reduction-fired-stoneware-with-Blue-Matt-Glaze-1968-web-03.jpeg)
![John Luebtow, Untitled, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Luebtow_Untitled-e1704773715188.jpeg)
![John Luebtow, Linear Form #3, Study in Line and Form, 1983. Photo: Madison Metro, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-Linear-Form-3-Study-in-Line-and-Form-1983.jpg)
![John Luebtow, Linear Form Series, Maquette Study, Nestlé-Carnation Commission, Late 1980s. Photo: Madison Metro, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-Linear-Form-Series-Maquette-Study-Nestlé-Carnation-Commission-Late-1980s.jpg)
![John Luebtow, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-Linear-Form-I-Beam-Series-Maquettes-for-City-of-Redlands-Early-1990s.jpg)
![John Luebtow, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-Linear-Form-I-Beam-Series-Maquettes-for-City-of-Redlands-Early-1990s-detail.jpg)
![John Luebtow, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-I-beam-series-public-sculpture-City-of-Redlands.jpg)
![John Luebtow, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-Linear-Form-Wall-Series-Red-Purple-Black-2000-01.jpg)
![John Luebtow, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-Linear-Form-Wall-Series-Red-LF-W1-6_16-2000.jpg)
![John Luebtow, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-Linear-Form-Series-LF-3-00_3-3-arcs-2000-01.jpg)
![John Luebtow, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-Linear-Form-I-Beam-Series-1990s-LF-7-98.jpg)
![John Luebtow, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-Linear-Form-I-Beam-Series-LF-7-98-detail.jpg)
![Craft in America, John Luebtow](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Luebtow-Furn-3a.jpg)
![John Luebtow, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-installation-view-01.jpg)
![John Luebtow, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-installation-view-02.jpg)
![Craft in America, Stephen Edwards](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stephen-Edwards-installation-view.jpg)
![Craft in America, Stephen Edwards](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stephen-Edwards-Crystal-Prism.jpg)
![Craft in America, Stephen Edwards](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stephen-Edwards-Eroded-Prism-detail.jpg)
![Stephen Edwards, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stephen-Edwards-Eroded-Prism.jpg)
![Stephen Edwards, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stephen-Edwards-Icarus.jpg)
![Stephen Edwards, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stephen-Edwards-Red-Flame-Panel.jpg)
![Craft in America, Stephen Edwards](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stephen-Edwards-Red-Flame-Panel-detail.jpg)
![Craft in America, Stephen Edwards](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Stephen-Edwards-Tribute-to-Farm-Workers.jpg)
![Stephen Edwards, Cast glass](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Edwards-Hope-e1706639902827.jpg)
![John Luebtow in studio](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Luebtow-studio-hero.jpeg)
![Craft in America, Stephen Edwards](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/edwards-portrait-v3.jpg)
![John Luebtow, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/John-Luebtow-in-homemade-kiln-at-Chatsworth-studio.jpg)
![Between the Lines banner, John Luebtow, Stephen Edwards](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Between-the-Lines-graphic-copy.jpg)
Permanent Collection Highlights
This exhibition spans across the vibrant, ever-evolving field of contemporary craft. The gathered objects are made by some of the exceptional and inspiring artists who have been featured in Craft in America’s documentary since 2007, when the first episodes aired on PBS. From function to sculpture and cultural practice, this multimedia show is a glimpse into the innovation and artistry of contemporary craft innovators from across the states. Craft in America has been assembling a small and burgeoning permanent collection over the past 15 years and this is a chance to view some of the exemplary, vibrant works. Many of these objects were either made while the artist was filmed for the series or discussed by the artist in the episodes.
View a sequence of shorts from episodes related to the works in the exhibition: Click on the playlist icon to view the full playlist.
Virtual Gallery
Click and drag, or use your arrow keys, to see a 360º view of the virtual space, including tags with object information and images.
Image Gallery:
View the objects in the exhibition below and click on each image for additional information.
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/My-Vanishing-Point_resized.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/MarshmallowrainBlkweb.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/78faa31a051c8fb50157802fbdc9c5e7a.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Mitsudajugsweb-e1562713379280.jpg)
![Mary Merkel-Hess, Morning Colors, Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/IMG_5539.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Bolinas-Ridge-1.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/J_OESTREICH_Pitcher_1B.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/IMG_2414a.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/George-Rodriguez_Suerte.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/DSC_1016edit.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IMG_2894edit.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/DSC_1177edita.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/20190828_135335a.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/metz.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Owens-candlesticks.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Underwood-Penland-Rain.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Underwood-detail.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Teri-Greeves-Sovereign-Citizen-1024x1248.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Teri-Greeves-detail.jpg)
![Craft in america](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sisson.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PCGOLD_FrogBasket_1.jpg)
![craft in america](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hudson.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/ROLL-DOGS-DSC_0321edit-1024x910.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IMG_2910edit.jpg)
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Kamaka-ukelele.jpg)
![Craft in America](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Martin-guitar.jpg)
The Craft in America Center is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture. www.lacountyarts.org
![](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/COUNTYartsandculture_blue-1.png)
Glassblowing – Crackle
Glass artist and art instructor at Punahou School, Mark Mitsuda demonstrates crackling, a technique where cracks are added to the surface of the glass by dunking it in water and reheating it, as well as adding color to his glassblown piece. Bonus video from the TEACHERS episode
Glassblowing with Hugh Jenkins
Glass artist and founder of Punahou School‘s glass program, Hugh Jenkins demonstrates his glass process. Bonus video from the TEACHERS episode
Who Inspires You?
“Having come from a family of my mother who is a really powerful black female and my grandmother who was an educator, who was really a powerful black female…So I feel like it’s something I am really compelled to carry on.”
– Alison Saar
LESSON OVERVIEW
In this lesson students will learn about the artists Alison Saar, Betye Saar, and Maddy Leeser whose works are inspired by the artist Simon Rodia as well as their deep interest in history, identity, and African American culture, whose style encompasses a variety of personal, artistic, and cultural references that reflect their own experiences. Their sculptures, installations, assemblages, and prints incorporate found objects including wood, old tin ceiling panels, nails, shards of pottery, glass, fabric, photographs, and other objects from popular culture. The resulting figures and objects become powerful totems exploring issues of gender, race, heritage, and history.
Grade Level: 7–12
Estimated Time: five or more 45-minute class periods
Craft In America Theme/Episode: INSPIRATION
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Viola Frey
Most recognized for her ceramic sculptures, Viola Frey was a multi-disciplinary artist who worked in ceramic, bronze, and glass, as well as working in painting, drawing, and photography. Born in Lodi, CA in 1933, Frey took classes at Stockton College after graduating from high school, and soon after received a scholarship to attend California College of the Arts. She graduated from CCA in 1955 with a BFA in painting, although she was continually drawn to the ceramics department, saying “It seemed more like the real world. It was a community.” She continued her studies at Tulane, but decided to leave early in order to immerse herself in the ceramics community of Port Chester, NY, becoming involved with the Clay Art Center. Frey later relocated to the Bay Area, where over the next many decades she continued to refine her artistic practice. An avid collector of books, art, and other objects, she eventually incorporated bricolage into her creations. She received fellowships from the National Endowment of the Arts and the American Craft Council, and her work has been shown in galleries and museums nationwide, including the Whitney Museum of American Art (NY, NY), the Oakland Museum of California, and Renwick Gallery of the National Collection of Fine Arts, Washington, DC. Frey was also a dedicated arts educator and held a full time teaching position at CCA from 1971 until her retirement in 1999. The school honored her contributions with an honorary doctorate and the title of professor emerita. Frey passed away in her home in Oakland, CA in 2004.
![Sculpture by Viola Frey at the Kaneko gallery](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/viola-frey-IMG952688.jpg)
Simon Rodia
Simon “Sam” Rodia (b. 1879, Italy) was an artist most known for his large-scale installation in Watts, California, entitled Nuestro Pueblo, but more commonly referred to as Watts Towers. Rodia was born in a small town near Naples, Italy and immigrated to the United States with his family in the early 1890s. His early life is sparsely documented, but upon moving to the US, Rodia moved to the West Coast and found work in rock quarries, logging and railroad camps, and construction. He eventually settled in Long Beach around 1911.
Several years later, in 1921, he purchased a lot at 1765 East 107th street in the Watts district of Los Angeles, on which to construct his large-scale masterpiece. Rodia worked on Nuestro Pueblo for over 25 years, in the evenings and on weekends, after his various day jobs, until its completion in 1948. He designed and built the Towers entirely himself, constructing them out of masonry, tile, and various found objects, and decorating the surfaces with singular, hand-placed mosaics. Several structures compose the complete installation, the largest of which stands at 99 1/2 feet tall. Rodia gifted the property to his neighbors before retiring to Martinez, CA, where he died in 1965. The Watts Towers were his last work of art.
![Simon Rodia, Craft in America, INSPIRATION episode](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Simon-Rodia.jpeg)
![Simon Rodia, Watts Towers](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/IMG_3086-copy.jpg)