Those in Glass Coffins
Should Throw Stones
A project by Hannah Margaret White-McGinn
"Glass sculpture takes full mind and body focus"
Art, whether visual or a different medium, is a universal feeling shared through expression.
In the glass and found object series, Those In Glass Coffins Should Throw Stones, resilience despite societal confines is meant to encourage and uplift the viewer. Though the tree is surrounded by oppression that is not always visible it perseveres, growing until it breaks through and reaches its full potential regardless if that growth is what society wanted.
The barren tree is suffocated by the pre-defined bell jar coffin. Though on display and controlled, the tree continues to grow and breaks the ceiling of the glass coffin that was forced upon it. Once free, it is able to produce and give back to the world.
About Glass Blowing
Glass blowing is a fire art that has been around for thousands of years. Silica, Soda Ash, and Limestone are melted together, becoming the crystal clear substance we know as glass. Reaching its melting point at 2100° Fahrenheit, glass is one of the few substances that has both a natural liquid and solid state.
When working with glass, the artist (known as a Gaffer) gathers the glass out of a furnace when it is the consistency of honey. As the artist works, the glass needs to constantly be in motion and continually reheated to ensure it remains malleable. Once the artist has created their work of art, the glass still needs to be placed in a kiln known as an annealer until it has become completely cool and stabilized.
"I use both solid and blown glass elements to comment on the "glass ceiling" and a woman’s ability to grow regardless of the restrictions put on her by society."
Many fields, including the Glass Art industry, still remain male dominated and in some spaces, male only.
Incorporating the air plant and moss give the effect that the sculpture itself can breath.
I truly love creating art that can be touched or transport the viewer to another place. Incorporating pieces from the natural help make this intention a reality.
About the Artist
Hannah White-McGinn is multimedia artist based out of Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States. Hannah studied glass and metal sculpture at the University of Wisconsin River-Falls.
From a young age she had a passion for both creating and enjoying the natural world around her. Her art focuses on using subjects from nature altered to speak on social and psychological themes.
Artwork: Hannah Margaret White-McGinn (she/her)
Company: Wild Wood Art and Design
Instagram: @wildwoodartanddesign
Facebook: Wild Wood Art and Design
'I would like to thank one of my dearest friends Alli Luhmann who has been a true inspiration to me. No matter what life has thrown at her she has always found the courage to persevere. Alli is a person who will always have the energy and time to uplift others and ensure that they see the best sides of themselves. She is my Olive Oil.'
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This project was commissioned by Sibling Collaborative LTD as a part of Sibling Series: Witches and Bitches
Page Design: Mia Quimpo Gourlay (she/her)
Facilitated by: Madalena Miles (she/her)