Easthampton City Arts – Easthampton Bear Fest
Auction Ends: Oct 14, 2009 11:00 PM EDT

Small Bear

'Hiding Bear' by Crystal Popko

"Hiding Bear" by Crystal Popko

Item Number
105
Sold
5050 USD to Live Event Bidder
Number of Bids
19  -  Bid History

Live Event Item

After the online close, this item went to a Live Event for further bidding.

Item Description

ABOUT THE BEAR: "Hiding Bear" was designed to incorporate my love of glass and nature. Mosaic was an obvious choice for durability of the materials and my extensive use of the technique. The bear cub is an outdoor sculpture, and I wanted him to appear to be in his natural environment- the leafy forest! I chose to make the mosaic out of kiln-fused glass (oven-melted), and sheet glass (typically used in stained glass work), all hand-cut and shaped into green leaves, branches and red berries. The fused glass is smooth to touch and frames his face, so that when you run your hands over him, there are no sharp edges. I like when my work is touchable, and friendly. Fused glass also allows for raised textures and colors to be incorporated. Painting his face realistically was a design choice that came from admiring the form of the bear; I didn't want to cover it up with glass and grout. It also lends to the idea that he is peeking his head out of the leaves, and letting the viewer into his world."

ABOUT THE ARTIST: Crystal Popko has a BFA in Sculpture and has been using glass in her work since 2001. She is self-taught in the art of kiln formed glass and uses this technique to create jewelry and home accessories. She currently has several public sculptures displayed in Massachusetts, including collaborations on seaside-themed pieces developed by her father in Provincetown, MA. She has traveled to study art around the world, but presently resides in Ludlow, MA. You can find her in the studio mixing techniques and materials for her colorful jewelry line, but spending time outdoors with her awesome husband and laughing with her family keeps her inspired. Crystal sells her work year-round at craft shows, retail outlets, and also through her online shop: http://cpopko.com

Item Special Note

This bear is a small bear. The measurements are as follows:

Height: 26" tall.

Width: circumference - approximately 58" around at the widest point at the base of the bear. Footprint, 17" wide and 19" deep.

Weight: This bear weighs approximately 27 lbs.

Other useful information: The bear will come with the log that it was displayed on in the exhibit, and will include the plaque on the log.

 

Donated By:

A.W. Borawski Real Estate, Remax Hill & Valley, Valley Art Supplies, Brass Cat, Rotary Club of Easthamtpon, Fur's A Flyin'