Biography

Early Life and Education

Therman Statom, born in Winter Haven, Florida, in 1953, is a pioneering figure in the contemporary glass art movement. Raised in Washington, D.C., Statom’s early interest in art was influenced by his friendship with Cady Noland, daughter of the abstract painter Kenneth Noland. Statom’s formal education in art began at the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington, in 1971. He later studied sculpture at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1974. Statom continued his education at the Pratt Institute School of Art and Design in Brooklyn, New York, where he received a Master of Arts in 1978.

Artistic Career and Style

Therman Statom is renowned for his innovative use of sheet glass, which he cuts, paints, and assembles into three-dimensional sculptures. His works often incorporate blown-glass elements and found objects, creating dynamic pieces that blend Abstract Expressionism with Minimalism. Statom’s signature creations include life-size glass ladders, chairs, tables, and small-scale houses, all constructed by gluing glass plates together. His sandblasted surfaces serve as canvases for vibrant colors and line work, making each piece a unique exploration of form and color.

Exhibitions and Public Commissions

Statom’s career spans over four decades, during which he has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally. Notable solo exhibitions include:

Lowe Museum of the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida
Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia
Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Ohio
Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando, Florida – “Stories of the New World” (2009), a 5,000 square foot installation exploring themes of hope, discovery, and destiny.

Internationally, Statom’s work has been showcased in Stockholm, Paris, Hokkaido, and Ensenada. His public commissions are equally impressive, with installations at the Los Angeles Public Library, Corning Inc. Headquarters, Mayo Clinic, San Jose Ice Center, and the Jepson Center for the Arts in Savannah.

Awards and Honors

Therman Statom has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including:

National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships (1980, 1982, 1988)
Ford Foundation Artists Grant (1997)
Outstanding Achievement Award by UrbanGlass (2008)
Distinguished Artist Award by the James Renwick Alliance (2006)
Fellow of the American Craft Council (1999)
United States Artists Fellow (2015), which included a $50,000 unrestricted award.

A significant portion of Statom’s career has been dedicated to educational programming and community engagement. He has employed workshops as tools for social change, working with both children and adults to explore art-making processes. Statom believes in the power of art as a means of empowerment and education, advocating for its role in fostering positive change and cultural engagement.

Legacy and Influence

Therman Statom’s contributions to the art world extend beyond his innovative glass sculptures. His commitment to education and community involvement has left a lasting impact on many. Statom continues to inspire new generations of artists through his workshops and public installations, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in contemporary glass art.

Conclusion

Therman Statom’s career is a testament to the transformative power of art. From his early days at the Pilchuck Glass School to his large-scale public installations, Statom has continually pushed the boundaries of what glass art can achieve. His numerous awards and extensive exhibition history underscore his influence and importance in the art world.