Guerard Glass
Guerard Glass: Examining Judson Guerard’s River Rocks series
Gray #1, 18" W x 18" D x 7" H, glass - “Through some osmosis that I do not understand, I feel at home in my surroundings, and rather than try to copy that beauty, it gives me the wherewithal to express it as best as I can in glass.”
North Carolina native and glass artist Judson Guerard lives and works in WNC’s Toecane community, named for the confluence of the Toe River and Cane Creek. It’s this setting that gave rise to his popular River Rocks series. “The (Toe) river is inviting with its variety of water-polished stones that are ideal for skipping across the water. The mountains have a gentle, bountiful beauty that creeps into my sense of being,” Guerard notes.
He holds degrees in philosophy, and it’s this curious and contemplative way of examining things that informs his glass-blown art. “For me, there was an unconscious learning process in watching potters, weavers, blacksmiths, surface design, et al…” He later became coordinator of Penland School of Craft’s glass studio, and now operates Guerard Glass from his home. “Glass really does enchant me. I enjoy (most of the time) the process, and every now and then I produce something any mother can love,” Guerard laughs.
Guerard’s work is available at Lucy Clark Gallery in Brevard, Mica Gallery in Bakersville, Toe River Arts Council in Spruce Pine and Burnsville, and Mirror Ball Gallery in Tryon. His work can be purchased online at guerardglass.com.