Early Life and Education

William LeQuier, born in 1953, is a renowned American glass artist celebrated for his innovative and intricate glass sculptures. LeQuier’s journey into the world of glass art began during his time at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), where he graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Art Education. It was at SCSU that he first encountered the medium of glass through a pioneering studio glass blowing class introduced in 1973.

Career and Artistic Development

After graduating, LeQuier became an instructor at SCSU and later taught at the Penland School in North Carolina during the late 1980s. In 1976, LeQuier, along with his wife Mary Angus and two other glass artists, founded Bittersweet Glassworks in Branford, Connecticut. The couple relocated their studio to Readsboro, Vermont, in 1983, where they converted a century-old mill building into their workspace.

LeQuier’s artistic style evolved significantly over the years. Initially, he focused on traditional glass blowing, creating art glass vessels. However, in the 1990s, he began experimenting with sandblasting techniques, which allowed him to carve intricate designs into glass surfaces. This experimentation led to the development of his signature style, characterized by multi-layered, sandblast-carved glass sculptures inspired by the natural world.

Artistic Inspirations and Techniques

LeQuier’s work is deeply influenced by nature, particularly the dynamic forces of wind and water. His sculptures often evoke the fluidity and movement found in natural phenomena, such as ocean waves and plant life. He employs a labor-intensive process that involves creating detailed sketches, cutting adhesive rubber templates, sandblasting, gluing with UV-curing epoxy, and carving with a diamond-tip saw. This meticulous process results in sculptures that appear to be in constant motion, despite their static nature.

Awards and Recognitions

William LeQuier’s contributions to the field of glass art have been widely recognized. Some of his notable awards include:

• 2007 Award of Excellence at the Habatat Galleries 35th Annual Awards Exhibition
• 2006 Award of Excellence at the Habatat Galleries 34th Annual Awards Exhibition
  
  

Exhibitions and Collections

LeQuier’s work has been exhibited extensively across the United States in more than thirty exhibitions. His sculptures are part of several prestigious permanent collections, including:

• American Glass Museum, Millville, NJ
• Cincinnati Art Museum
• High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA
• Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY
  
  

Publications

LeQuier’s work has been featured in numerous publications, highlighting his impact on contemporary glass art. Some of these publications include:

• American Craft  (Feb. 1983)
• Glass of the 80’s by Robert Kehlman (Apr-May 1987)
• American Studio Glass 1960-1990 by Martha Drexler Lynn (2004)
• Glass Art: 112 Contemporary Artists by Barbara Purchia and Ashley Rooney (2016)
  
  

Personal Life

William LeQuier continues to work alongside his wife, Mary Angus, in their Vermont studio. While Angus focuses on traditional glass blowing, LeQuier remains dedicated to his sandblast-carved glass sculptures. Their collaborative environment fosters creativity and innovation, allowing both artists to thrive in their respective practices.

Conclusion

William LeQuier’s pioneering work in glass sculpture has cemented his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary glass art. His dedication to exploring new techniques and his deep connection to nature are evident in his breathtaking sculptures, which continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.