PAUL RUNDE

Resides: Michigan

“Of all the mediums I have explored, glass has been the most seductive. From my first experience with the molten glass, the substance - with its intense heat and dynamic properties, consumed me. In the objects I create, I try to convey objects of beauty and grace. Sometimes that beauty and grace is soft and sensual, other times it is hard-edged and jagged.

My relationship with glass has evolved over time and will continue to do so as I become more intimate with and knowledgeable of this fiery substance. The possibilities when working with glass are limitless and every day in the studio is an exploration and a pursuit of what I can create with this dynamic and intense substance.

Molten glass definitely demands your full attention and success or failure can be immediate but so are the rewards and for me, going to work is going to play!”

- Paul Runde

Paul Runde became a glass artist after a variety of life experiences which no doubt proved extremely valuable. He served as a United States Marine Corps Sergeant for four years in the early 1980's and then spent fifteen years as a prototype machinist and model maker for an automotive supplier in the Detroit area. He was introduced to working with molten glass as a model maker, became captivated with the material, and in 1997 began taking classes at the Michigan Hot Glass Workshop, in Detroit.

In 2001, he explains, “The pull of working with hot glass was so strong that I quit my day job, and said goodbye to a steady paycheck and became a full-time glass artist.” Paul has made the transition from technician to artisan/craftsman to artist, and today creates sculptures and vessels inspired by his interest in archeology and artifacts. His series, “Offering Vessels” and “Guardian” re-interpret ancient statues and ritual objects, creating pieces of great presence and beauty.

Having experience with a variety of different materials allows Paul to readily incorporate other media into his large-scale sculptures. The “Marketplace” series combines metal and handmade rope with blown glass elements. These sculptures, ranging in size up to eight feet tall, feature shapes reminiscent of gourds, fruit, and horns tied in clusters. The bountiful arrangements, hung from hand made metal stands, evoke the feel of a mysterious and ancient bazaar.

EDUCATION

  • Current - Wayne State University for B.F.A.
  • 2005 Penland Mountain School of Crafts Hot Glass Sculpture with Karen Willenbrink
  • 2002 Pittsburgh Glass Center, Hot glass sculpture with Karen Willenbrink
  • 1997 Center for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI, Beginning Glass blowing with Diana Purnell

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

  • 1997- 2005 Artist, Instructor, Michigan Hot Glass Workshop, Detroit, MI, Intermediate/Advanced Glass Blowing with Albert Young

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

  • 2008 32nd Annual Exhibition, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, PA
  • 2008 Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver, CO
  • 2008 Water Street Gallery, Douglas, MI
  • 2008 Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, MI
  • 2008 Rankin Art Gallery, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI
  • 2007 Main Street Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX
  • 2006 Old Town Art Fair, Chicago, IL
  • 2005 Birmingham Fine Arts Festival, Birmingham MI - Best of Show
  • 2005 Michigan Hot Glass Workshop, Glass Month Exhibition, Detroit, MI
  • 2005 District Art Gallery, Michigan Glass Moth Exhibition, Birmingham, MI
  • 2005 Winterpark Sidewalk Art Festival, Winterpark, FL
  • 2005 Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, Tampa, FL - Award of Merit
  • 2005 Naples National Art Festival, Naples, FL - Award of Distinction
  • 2005 Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Coconut Grove, FL - 2nd Place Glass
  • 2004 Erlich Gallery, New Work Exhibition, Marblehead, MA
  • 2004 57th Street Art Fair, Chicago, IL
  • 2004 Royal Oak Clay and Glass Show, Royal Oak, MI - Best in Show
  • 2004 Geneva Arts Fair, Geneva, IL
  • 2004 Habitat Gallery, Michigan Glass Artist Exhibition, Royal Oak, MI

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • 1997-2005 Studio Technician, Michigan Hot Glass Workshop, Detroit, MI
  • 1985-2000 Automotive Prototype Machinist and Model Maker
  • 1981-1985 United States Marine Corps; Sergeant/E5, Artillery Section Chief