Biography
Eli Cecil is a prominent glass artist based in South Florida, known for his innovative and thought-provoking sculptures that explore themes of sustainability, growth, and the delicate balance between humanity and nature.
Born in 1988 in Frederick, Maryland, Cecil’s artistic journey began at Salisbury University, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2012. Following his education, he relocated to Palm Beach County, Florida, where he currently resides and works, establishing himself as a significant figure in the local and national glass art community.
Cecil’s artistic practice primarily revolves around hot glass techniques, which he employs to create intricate sculptures that often resemble natural forms, such as trees and bonsai. His “Bonsai Series” is particularly notable, combining glassblowing, glass sculpting, and glass fusing techniques to create delicate tree-like structures that symbolize balance, growth, and personal development.
Throughout his career, Cecil has received several prestigious awards and recognitions:
- In 2018, the Imagine Museum honored him with the “Artist of the Future Award”.
- Also in 2018, he was granted an “Emerging Artist Residency” by the Duncan McClellan Gallery in St. Petersburg, Florida.
- Cecil was selected as a speaker and presenter at the Glass Art Society National Conference in 2019.
- In 2024, he was chosen to receive the esteemed “Artist Innovation Award” by the Cultural Council of West Palm Beach County.
Cecil’s work has been exhibited in several notable venues and events:
- His sculptures are currently on display at the prestigious Habatat Galleries in Royal Oak, Michigan.
- In 2021, Cecil created his first public art installation, titled “Take Flight,” for the Jupiter Maltz Theatre in Jupiter, Florida.
- His work has been featured in exhibitions at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County.
Beyond his artistic practice, Cecil is actively involved in the glass art community and arts education. He currently serves as the Creative Director at the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. This role allows him to contribute to the development of emerging artists and promote the art of glassmaking.
Cecil is also an alumnus of Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2023, demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and leadership.
Eli Cecil’s work continues to evolve, with his sculptures reflecting on the complex relationships between legacy and sustainability, individual growth, and collective responsibility. His innovative approach to glass art and his exploration of environmental themes have established him as a rising star in the contemporary glass art world, with his influence extending beyond South Florida to national and international audiences.