“For as long as I can remember, I have always drawn, painted, sculpted, designed things.  There have been times that I have tried to be other things, professionally, but it seems as though there is an unseen hand guiding me back to the creation of art.”   – Chris Savage Sweeney

It’s been a busy month here at Marafiki!  Now to add to the amazing women who have been sharing their talents with us we are proud to be showing the work of  Chris Savage Sweeney on Saturday, March 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Chris is a  designer, draftsman, painter, photographer, printmaker, and sculptor who holds a BFA in Art & Design from Pratt Institute.  Chris once she worked as a mobile intensive care paramedic and was pursuing a career as a physician assistant, when she suffered a debilitating stroke. She could no longer work as a critical care provider, but she still had her art to sustain her.   Chris started working in “warm glass”approximately eight years ago, during her recovery.  She recently began fusing glass as an alternative to melting glass with a torch.  All the pieces are cut and assembled by hand, melted together in a kiln at 1425 degrees or so.

Her work can be described as expressionistic, rather than representational.   As Chris explains it, “I enjoy playing with the physical and chemical properties of heated glass.  It’s a dynamic, conscious and expressive process. Each piece has its own, unique  personality quirks. Inevitably, the pieces tell me what they want to look like.”

Previously, most of Chris’ fused glass was made by private commission or for charitable donation.  Her show at Marafiki Fair Trade represents the first public showing and sale of her fused glasswork and wearable art. Please join us here at 20 New Street, Metuchen, for this special occasion on Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m.  Come meet this talented artist and, of course, enjoy some complimentary wine, cheese, and good company!