Shop Maine Craft Presents…
Philip Jacobs: Playing with Fire
A Solo Exhibition Featuring Hand-Blown Glass by Philip Jacobs | At the Center for Maine Craft in West Gardiner, Maine
On View: June 9 – July 18, 2025
In his latest collection, Philip Jacobs breathes new life into the ways one might capture the beauty of nature through the mesmerizing medium of blown glass. Drawing his inspirations from the natural world, Jacob’s pays homage to the colorful landscapes of the White Mountains, the endless oceans, and vast skies, to create both traditional and contemporary lighting and sculptural vessels. These pieces reflect the timeless designs and delicate harmony found in the natural world, rendering vibrant colors and exquisite textures, each piece a testament to the fragility and complexity of our planet.
At the heart of Jacobs’ process lies his intimate connection with the flame—a force that drives both his creativity and the technical mastery behind each piece. The journey begins as he gathers molten glass from a 2100°F furnace onto a blowpipe, skillfully layering clear and colored glass to build the intricate surface patterns for which his work is known. With each gather, Jacobs masterfully manipulates the glass, crafting layers and textures that bring depth to each piece.
I have always been captivated by the excitement of the flames and the pace of the exchange between man and fire. I work almost exclusively as a solo artist, and as such, I’ve had to cultivate some alternative methods to overcome the crucial timing and physical demands that assistance teams generally help control in the glass studio. My interaction with the glass is something of a dance, with movement and rhythm playing key roles in the production of each piece.
Visit the Center for Maine Craft:
288 Lewiston Rd West Gardiner, ME 04345
Open Daily, 9am – 6pm
(207)588-0021
center@shopmainecraft.com
