As John Kiley continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with glass, he represents the future of this ancient art form. His willingness to experiment with new techniques, combine different approaches, and challenge traditional notions of glassmaking sets him apart as a true innovator in the field.
John Kiley, born in 1973 in Seattle, Washington, has emerged as a leading figure in contemporary glass sculpture. His innovative approach to glassmaking combines traditional techniques with cutting-edge concepts, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with this versatile medium. From his early days as a glassblower to his current status as a renowned artist, Kiley’s journey is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and technical mastery.
Early Career & Influences
John Kiley’s passion for glassmaking began at the young age of 19 when he started working at The Glass Eye Studio in Seattle in 1993. This early exposure to the world of glass art laid the foundation for his future career. Kiley’s talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of industry leaders, leading to significant opportunities that would shape his artistic trajectory.
One of the most pivotal moments in Kiley’s early career came when he was promoted to gaffer on Dale Chihuly’s chandelier team at the age of 21. This role allowed him to travel internationally, participating in the Chihuly Over Venice project, which took him to Finland, Ireland, Mexico, and Italy. The experience of working with one of the most renowned glass artists in the world undoubtedly influenced Kiley’s approach to glassmaking and his understanding of the medium’s potential.
Collaborations & Learning
Kiley’s journey in the world of glass art is marked by collaborations with some of the most respected names in the field. From 1994 to 2011, he worked as a principal assistant to Lino Tagliapietra, an experience that further honed his skills and expanded his artistic vision. Kiley also had the opportunity to work with other notable artists such as Dante Marioni and Benjamin Moore, each collaboration adding new dimensions to his craft.
These experiences not only refined Kiley’s technical abilities but also exposed him to diverse artistic philosophies and approaches. The knowledge gained from working alongside these masters has been instrumental in shaping Kiley’s unique artistic voice and his innovative approach to glassmaking.
Artistic Evolution
As Kiley’s career progressed, he began to develop his own distinctive style, moving away from traditional glassblowing techniques towards more experimental and conceptual approaches. His work evolved from purely decorative pieces to sculptural forms that challenge perceptions and explore complex themes.
One of Kiley’s most recognizable series features spherical pieces that play with geometry, color, and light. These works often incorporate cut openings or apertures that allow viewers to peer into and through the form, creating a fascinating interplay between interior and exterior spaces. The juxtaposition of colors and carved optic passageways in these pieces creates a separation of space, inviting viewers to engage with the sculpture from multiple perspectives.
Design Procedures & Techniques
John Kiley’s design procedures are as innovative as his finished works. His approach combines traditional glassblowing techniques with cold-working methods and conceptual art practices. Here’s an insight into some of his key techniques:
Blown Glass Sculptures
For his spherical works, Kiley begins with the traditional glassblowing process. He carefully selects and combines different colored glasses, layering them to create the desired effect. The glass is then blown and shaped into a sphere, requiring precise control and timing to achieve the perfect form.
Once the basic shape is achieved, Kiley employs cold-working techniques to refine the sculpture. This involves cutting, grinding, and polishing the glass to create openings, edges, and surfaces that interact with light in specific ways. The result is a piece that balances form, color, and transparency, often seeming to defy gravity in its final presentation.
Fractographs
One of Kiley’s most innovative techniques is his “Fractograph” series. This process involves deliberately breaking blocks of glass and then reassembling them in a way that transforms the random patterns of breakage into a deliberate design. The process is as follows:
- Kiley starts with large, polished blocks of colored optic glass, typically 2.5 to 3 inches thick.
- He then breaks the glass using one of two methods:
- Physical force: Initially, Kiley used a sledgehammer to break the glass. This method directly transfers the artist’s energy into the material.
- Thermal shock: In a more recent approach, Kiley drops a glob of red-hot molten glass onto the block and then douses the surface with cold water. This creates a thermal shock that causes the glass to break without direct physical intervention from the artist.
- The breaking process is filmed, capturing the irreversible moment when the glass shatters. This footage becomes an integral part of the artwork, documenting the process and allowing viewers to fully appreciate the transformation.
- After breaking, Kiley meticulously reassembles the pieces, strategically leaving some parts out to highlight the impact point and create negative space within the sculpture.
- The reassembled pieces are then bonded together, creating a complex network of fissures and planes that interact with light in fascinating ways.
This technique results in unique, unreproducible patterns that Kiley describes as being as individual as fingerprints. The Fractographs represent a significant departure from traditional glassblowing techniques, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with the medium.
Incalmo Technique
Kiley has also explored the incalmo technique, particularly in his collaboration with Dante Marioni. This ancient Venetian glassblowing technique involves joining two or more blown glass elements of different colors while they are still hot. In Kiley’s work with Marioni, this technique was used to create vessels where Marioni’s intricate patterns serve as dividing membranes between two of Kiley’s blown, cut, and polished forms.
Optical Glass Sculptures
For some of his more recent works, Kiley has been working with large blocks of optical glass. His process involves:
- Drawing abstract fracture patterns on the glass block.
- Using a diamond saw to cut along these patterns.
- Grinding and polishing the cut pieces.
- Reconstructing the pieces into a new form.
This technique allows Kiley to create sculptures with clean, precise lines and surfaces that play with light in complex ways.
Themes & Concepts
John Kiley’s work often explores themes of balance, tension, and the interplay between interior and exterior spaces. His sculptures frequently appear to be in precarious positions, creating a sense of tension that engages the viewer. This balance between stability and instability serves as a metaphor for the delicate nature of relationships and the human experience.
The use of transparency and negative space in Kiley’s work invites viewers to look beyond the surface, encouraging a deeper engagement with the piece. By allowing glimpses into the interior of his sculptures, Kiley creates a dialogue between what is visible and what is hidden, reflecting on themes of perception and reality.
Color plays a crucial role in Kiley’s work, with juxtaposed hues creating visual interest and emotional resonance. The way light interacts with his sculptures, creating shadows, reflections, and refractions, is an integral part of the viewing experience, turning each piece into a dynamic interplay of form and illumination.
Teaching & Sharing Knowledge
Throughout his career, John Kiley has been committed to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. He has served as a visiting instructor at several prestigious institutions, including the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, Ireland, and The Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem, Israel. He has also taught at the Pittsburgh Glass Center and Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle.
Kiley’s teaching experiences have taken him around the world, with demonstrations and workshops in countries such as Finland, Ireland, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Bulgaria, China, Australia, Brazil, and Turkey. This global perspective has undoubtedly influenced his work, exposing him to diverse cultural influences and artistic traditions.
Recognition & Exhibitions
John Kiley’s innovative approach to glassmaking has earned him recognition in the art world. His work has been exhibited in galleries around the world, showcasing the breadth and depth of his artistic vision. Notable exhibitions include shows at Traver Gallery, Schantz Galleries, and Sandra Ainsley Gallery, among others.
Kiley’s pieces are also part of permanent collections in museums, including the Palm Springs Art Museum, which houses his work “Squeezed Precarious Overlay” from 2011. This inclusion in museum collections speaks to the enduring value and significance of Kiley’s contributions to contemporary glass art.
The Future of Glass Art
As John Kiley continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with glass, he represents the future of this ancient art form. His willingness to experiment with new techniques, combine different approaches, and challenge traditional notions of glassmaking sets him apart as a true innovator in the field.
Kiley’s work demonstrates that glass art can be much more than just beautiful objects. Through his sculptures, he engages with complex ideas, challenges perceptions, and creates experiences that go beyond the visual. His approach to glassmaking, which incorporates elements of performance art, conceptual art, and even video documentation, points to new directions for glass art in the 21st century.
Conclusion
John Kiley’s journey from a young glassblower in Seattle to a internationally recognized artist is a testament to his talent, dedication, and innovative spirit. His unique approach to glassmaking, which combines traditional techniques with cutting-edge concepts, has resulted in a body of work that is both visually stunning and intellectually engaging.
Through his spherical sculptures, Fractographs, and optical glass pieces, Kiley invites viewers to explore the interplay of light, color, and form. His work challenges our perceptions, creates moments of tension and balance, and offers new ways of seeing and experiencing glass as an artistic medium.
As John Kiley continues to evolve as an artist, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with glass, he remains at the forefront of contemporary glass sculpture. His contributions to the field not only showcase the versatility and beauty of glass but also point to exciting new directions for this ancient art form in the modern world.

