ERWIN TIMMERS

About the Artist

Biography Erwin Timmers is the co-founder of the Washington Glass Studio and School. Originally from Amsterdam, he moved to California where he graduated from Santa Monica College for Design Arts and Architecture. In 1999 he moved to the Washington DC area and since then his sculptural artwork has been on display in an increasing number of local galleries. He has received numerous public art commissions and is also featured in various private collections. His approach to art is multifaceted, incorporating metalwork, innovative lighting and glass design. He teaches glass, lighting, sculpture, and metal work. Waste and recycling are recurring themes in his work, which he sees as crucial parts to the interaction with one’s surroundings.

Artist's Statement

Environmental issues have recently attracted much attention, and although I have always used recycled components in my art, there is a ‘newfound acceptance’ and a welcome attitude change within the fine arts. A newly emerging movement has been dubbed ‘green’ art. Green artists are artists concerned with environmental issues and show this in their themes or in the techniques that they use. Since it's not just the finished product, but also the process used to create the art itself, the work invites the viewer in to explore the underlying structures and themes, which are “almost” visible below the surface. The themes are all highly personal but also very universal. They focus on reforming and restructuring our lives and society to one that’s more respectful of our surroundings. The material that I use in my artwork is one of the least recycled materials: window glass. Unlike the glass made specifically for craft and art use, window glass is difficult to re-melt, and I have had to develop new techniques to exploit the characteristics of this material. I often incorporate my glass into reused metal housings, including discarded traffic lights and street lights. Taking such a fixture out of its usual surroundings and bringing it into a gallery setting, catches the one’s eye and imagination, and brings up many emotional associations. Likewise, I enjoy challenging the audience with an identifiable form in the shape of a discarded everyday object. I prefer items that are so common, that you barely notice them anymore. I want to make you stop and think twice by presenting this object in a new and different light. At a second glance we often discover whole new aspects we didn’t catch the first time around. Sometimes we need a little reminder…