Bi-Axial Tubated Green Riser

Tom Patti, Bi-Axial Tubated Green Riser, 1985, stacked, fused, blown, and polished glass, 6 ³⁄₈ x 6 ¹⁄₄ x 4 ¹⁄₂ in. (16.2 x 15.9 x 11.5 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Anne and Ronald Abramson, Edward Lenkin, Arlene R. and Robert P. Kogod and the James Renwick Alliance, 1987.44

Artwork Details

Title: Bi-Axial Tubated Green Riser
Artist: Tom Patti
Date: 1985
Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum
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Luce Foundation Center
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4th Floor
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56A
Dimensions: 6 ³⁄₈ x 6 ¹⁄₄ x 4 ¹⁄₂ in. (16.2 x 15.9 x 11.5 cm.)
Credit Line: Gift of Anne and Ronald Abramson, Edward Lenkin, Arlene R. and Robert P. Kogod and the James Renwick Alliance
Mediums: glass
Mediums Description: stacked, fused, blown, and polished glass
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Glass
Subjects: Abstract
Object Number: 1987.44
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1987.44

Artwork Description

Tom Patti originally experimented with glass by blowing laminated glass cubes into spheres, capturing a bubble inside while retaining the squared edges outside. This progressed into constructing glass "wings" that supported the blown bubble. His meticulous forms are compact yet monumental, suggesting giant columns reproduced in miniature.