The Earth’s mantle is a layer of mystery, making up most of the planet’s volume but remaining physically unexplored. It reaches extreme temperatures of up to 3700°C (6692°F), and geologists believe that diamonds form deep within the mantle, only to be brought to the surface during explosive volcanic eruptions.
This optical glass sculpture, Mantle, was inspired by this hidden layer of the Earth. The internal designs in the sculpture were created during the casting process, where I altered three separate glass elements before they entered the kiln. The creation of transparent and reflective properties is revealed over weeks of grinding and polishing.
About the artwork
Mantle. Optical glass sculpture. Cast, polished, and sandblasted.
Size: 20.8 H x 28.2 W x 12.5 cm (8.2 H x 11.1 W x 4.9 in).
Weight: 20 kg (44 lbs).