PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTIONS ON MODERN URBAN LIFE AND HANDICRAFT ART: THE SPIRITUAL AND AESTHETIC DIMENSIONS OF MODERN GLASS ART

Abstract

This study explores the philosophical and spiritual interplay between modern urban life and artistic expression in contemporary glass art. Through semi-structured interviews with glass artists and in-depth case studies of specific artworks, the research delves into the creative processes, inspirations, and how urban environments shape artistic choices. The findings reveal diverse interpretations of urban life: some artists view the city's energy and constant movement as a muse, translating it into flowing and dynamic glass forms that evoke interconnectedness and vitality. Others use glass as a metaphor for social relationships and reflections within urban diversity. Contrasting perspectives emerge in works that explore themes of construction, deconstruction, and the transient nature of city life, reflecting the impermanence and evolution of urban experiences. Iconic works such as Dale Chihuly's "Seaforms" illustrate sprawling, organic shapes that echo urban dynamism and interconnectedness, while Josiah McElheny's miniature glass narratives provide intimate reflections on urban existence. The study highlights how urban environments serve as a profound influence on glass artists, shaping their artistic expressions to embody the spiritual, aesthetic, and philosophical dimensions of modern urban life.