From the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Travis Adams has embarked on an incredible journey as an artist and glass maker. He was first introduced to the practice of visual art at an early age by the prolific artist and mentor Joe Burks II. Ever since, Adams has traveled extensively in the pursuit of his passion and dedicated his life to the development of his language as an artist. Adams obtained his undergraduate degree from Centre College in Danville, KY. It was there that he was introduced to glass by renowned artist Stephen Rolfe Powell. He would later develop his glass skills as lead assistant to Powell for several years. He went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture with a concentration in glass from Illinois State University, under the direction of glass artist John Miller. During his tenure at ISU, he traveled twice to China for expanded education and academic research. Currently, Adams’ work is inspired by firsthand connections with Gongshi, or Chinese Scholars Rocks, and the interface of topology and glass. He draws influence from artists such as Barbera Hepworth, Henry Moore, and Max Bill, and continuously explores formal ideas involving our connections to nature. This, he believes, is a theme worthy of life-long exploration.
“Interface of Glass and Topology” is a supportive statement for a collection of blown glass sculptures that employ principles of continuous surface topology along with line and color applications to create a perceptual visual experience. These forms address issues of balance and continuity as well as space relationships of both inside to outside and object to self. His work is an exploration of topology, an organic shape that delineates nature and its growth patterns. Adams plays with these shapes and lines to invoke a response from its audience. He challenges us to explore the larger question of how we relate to our environment. Does our environment inspire, challenge or confront us? Is that relationship universal or personal? Can we alter our perspective?
