Contemporary Glass Accents of Robert Dix
When an artist creates artwork for an interior space or is
filling a custom-ordered architectural enhancement and contemplates the complex
constraints of spatial limitations, they leave the realm of fine art to explore
an aspect of interior design. This is
something not all artists deal with, and those that do often deal with such
custom designed artwork that a stylized and unique aesthetic of their art
progresses as they tackle such variances.
Image courtesy of Jason Roberts and NHOME Magazine
That is exactly what San Antonio artist, Robert Dix has done
with his signature contemporary glass relief accents. Not paintings, not
stained glass and not fine art sculptures, Dix’s artwork is all his own. His blend of aesthetically pleasing, calm and
fluid organic shapes using traditional stained glass soldering on window glass places
his artwork in a category all by itself.
Having studied stained glass for over 25 years, Dix has
experimented with various aspect of this medium from cut and arranged glass
layers to organic shapes of glass mounted on the wall to stand alone pieces
that become high end home décor. He now
specializes in a newly discovered technique of soldered designs on ordinary
window glass, tile, granite, and other interior surfaces that show off his
mastered application of soldered renditions of trees, leaves and other nature
based themes.
It wasn’t until his recent showing at the spring 2014 Parade
of Homes at the Dominion did Dix premier his new series of works. “I just
called one of the builders who were showcasing a few of the houses this year
and asked if I could put some of my work in the homes for the parade”, he
says. “Everyone liked it”, he continues.
Dix exhibited about half a dozen glass artworks in the spotlighted homes on the
tour. “Ever since then, Dix explains,”
it has been nonstop. I decided to quit my job at the University Hospital and
University Health System and to take the leap and investigate my art full
time”, he continues.
Dix’s new career happened by chance. At the beginning of
2014 over 1,200 pieces of art filled the University Health System. Dix was
asked by his fellow manager to show the curator his artwork. As a former employee of the University Health
System, Dix was not officially invited into the curated art program of the new
facility, something which ultimately launched his career. Curatorial visits to the studio lead to his
inclusion of art into this monumental showcase. However, not all was smooth
sailing. Mark Webb, Senior Vice President of Facilities Administration of
University Health System had to send an official memo to George B. Hernandez,
Jr., President and CEO of University Health System to ask for a Policy waiver
request on Dix’s behalf. As an employee, Dix was not eligible to participate in
the program. With permissions granted, Dix’s inclusion enhanced his visibility,
his reputation and untimely showcased his unique style of art. The policy
waiver allowed the University Health System to purchase Dix’s artwork and
catapult him into unexplored architectural commissions of his signature
aesthetic.
Dix’s collaborations with the hospital are ever
expanding. His next endeavor is a the
creation of a 9 foot tree of life sculpture, this tree will be associated with
the organ transplant division, and patients who have received transplants
through the hospital will have their names stamped into leaves and be added to
the tree of life, as an ever changing sculptural element within the hospital
with a personal touch of patient interaction and involvement.
In the interiors of houses, Dix’s work takes on accentual
roles; working within art nooks, mantels, carve outs and other structural
elements within the home. Lighted from
below, above and behind, the imagery extends beyond the glass, casting shadows
on the walls, illuminating the space and bringing a multidimensional component
to home décor and fine art.
Robert Dix’s unique application of stained glass techniques
and calming imagery can be found throughout several interior design stores and
high end home accent businesses’ including Copenhagen, Armoires and Accents and
others.
For more information on Robert Dix’s custom glass art and
accents, please visit his website at www.visionsofglass.com
Written by Gabriel Diego Delgado
View the full article in the Jan/ Feb 2015 edition of NHOME Magazine
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