Peter Mangan 

 Statement

From childhood I’ve been able to express myself visually. Creating artwork enables me to use planning and intuition to make objects that communicate to others.  I enjoy the struggle with ideas, materials, and tools.  It is rewarding to bring something original into the world and see how people respond. One of my current interests involves the human figure.  A basic silhouette is a starting point we can all relate to.  What makes up the interior of a person:  the memories, humor, quirks, faults, emotions?   What of the external environment: relationships, possessions, location, time, obstacles?  These are concepts worth exploring through sculpture. 

Metals and glass are my primary media.  The solid strength of metal is a good contrast to the delicate transparency of glass. Old and new working techniques are used, from plasma cutting and blacksmithing to computer controlled kilns and medieval glass painting methods.  Spontaneity and good craftsmanship are both valued. 

 Bio 

I received a BFA degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1978. My first exposure to working with glass was a job at John Kebrle Studio in Dallas.  This experience was followed by working at Renaissance Glass in Austin, TX.  I was able to assist Susan Stinsmuehlen at the Pilchuck Glass School in Oregon in 1982 and 1983.  A move to San Francisco in 1979 expanded my artistic awareness by having access to the city’s museums and vibrant gallery scene.  I worked in various glass studios in the Bay Area for eight years.  In order to improve my metal working skills, welding classes were taken at a vocational school.  At that point, it was time to return my focus to fine art.  I attended San Jose State University where I received an MFA degree-Sculpture in 1987.

For the last thirty years I have made a living as an artist.  My artwork has been shown and collected in the U.S.A., Europe, and Japan.  When I look back on pivotal experiences, certain events come to mind such as: my apprenticeship at Bullseye Glass Company in Portland, OR, 1983; being a Visiting Artist at the New York Experimental Glass Workshop, 1988; and traveling around the world in 1996 (NYC, Italy, Egypt, India, Thailand, Bali, Hawaii).

After 15 years of splitting our time between California and Texas, my wife (Karen) and I are full-time Texans again.  We enjoy living and working in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.