Description for Shane Smith's "Watch Tower" Glass Art Piece:

"Watch Tower" by Shane Smith stands as a towering testament to the artist's mastery of glass artistry, blending intricate detail with ethereal beauty in a functional masterpiece that transcends mere decoration.

At first glance, "Watch Tower" commands attention with its imposing presence and striking features. The upper half of the piece is adorned with five elongated Tiki-like faces, each bearing a solemn expression that seems to gaze out into the beyond. These faces, with their exaggerated features and mystical aura, evoke a sense of ancient wisdom and timeless mystery.

What sets "Watch Tower" apart is the incorporation of opulent opal shapes adorning the forehead of select faces. These opal shapes, ranging from squares to triangles and rounds, are encased with citrine glass infused with Uranium, emitting a mesmerizing yellow to green UV glow that adds an ethereal dimension to the piece. As light dances across their surfaces, the opal shapes seem to come to life, shimmering and sparkling with an inner radiance that captivates the eye.

But the allure of "Watch Tower" doesn't end there. On the backside of the piece, a larger opal shape, encased in citrine glass infused with Uranium, commands attention. This focal point serves as a counterbalance to the intricate detailing on the front, drawing the viewer's gaze and inviting exploration of every facet of the piece.

As a functional piece of art, "Watch Tower" offers more than meets the eye. Beneath its exquisite surface lies a 5-hole percolator downstem, meticulously crafted to provide a smooth and satisfying smoking experience. This innovative feature combines form with function, elevating "Watch Tower" beyond mere decoration to a truly interactive and immersive work of art.

Yet it is not just the opulent embellishments and functional elements that captivate; the entire surface of "Watch Tower" is alive with texture, a result of Smith's innovative technique. Utilizing the ends of random bench tools, he stamps the hot glass, creating a unique, tactile surface that begs to be explored. Each indentation tells a story, each ripple a testament to the artist's mastery of his craft.

Whether admired for its aesthetic beauty or enjoyed for its functional excellence, "Watch Tower" serves as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the boundless possibilities of glass as a medium of expression.

Artist Bio: Shane Smith

Born in the sunshine state of Florida, Shane Smith's artistic journey began at an early age, fueled by an innate passion for creativity that has been a guiding force throughout his life. At the age of 12, he made the transformative move to the picturesque city of Asheville, North Carolina, where he found himself captivated by the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the vibrant artistic community that thrives within its midst.

For the past 26 years, Smith has been a stalwart presence in the glass industry, dedicating himself to mastering the intricacies of this ancient craft. Over the course of his 24-year career as a glass artist, he has honed his skills across a diverse array of techniques, drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences to create pieces that are as unique as they are captivating.

From his early days experimenting with traditional glassblowing methods to his more recent forays into innovative color creation and texture manipulation, Smith's work is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of his craft. With a keen eye for detail and a meticulous approach to his art, he seamlessly integrates disparate elements to create cohesive, harmonious compositions that resonate with viewers on a profound level.

Currently residing in Asheville, North Carolina, Smith continues to draw inspiration from his surroundings, infusing his work with the timeless beauty of the mountains and the vibrant energy of the local artistic community. As he embarks on the next chapter of his artistic journey, he remains steadfast in his dedication to pushing the boundaries of his craft and exploring new avenues of creative expression, captivating audiences with his unparalleled skill and boundless imagination.

Approximately L 5" x W 3.25" x H 6"

Colors: Custom color made by Shane mixing Europium Oxide with clear glass in a furnace. He dubbed the color " Heisenberg"