Thaddeus Wolfe Does Not Make Art

When describing his blown glass vessels, chandeliers and sconces, Thaddeus Wolfe steers away from art-specific terminology. “I hate the word sculptural,” Wolfe admits, thumbing one of his hypnotic glass forms. “It makes it sound like craft or design is not good enough.”

Working out of his basement studio in Brooklyn, the former industrial designer resides comfortably in the hazy mist between design, craft, and fine art: “I don’t like to define myself in such specific terms. You don’t need to.” Part workshop, part office, part archive, Wolfe’s space is a laboratory for his unique process, which merges glass casting and blowing to transform carved foam forms into sumptuously textured glass vessels. 

The technique begins with hands-on carving, with the artist sculpting a ragged totem out of packing foam. “This part is largely instinctual,” says Wolfe—picking up a maquette he has scored. The artist then casts the foam in plaster, creating a one-time use mold into which he blows a molten balloon of glass. “Once the piece is blown, the polishing tends to have a natural conclusion.” Judging by the tables and shelves laden with his colorfully cragged vases, Wolfe has developed a brilliant touch for every step of the process—even his library of rejected work evokes the glossy appeal of a confectionary. 

Just four years old, Wolfe’s complex technique continues to evolve, as his forthcoming show at R & Company demonstrates. Presented in the gallery’s downstairs space, the exhibition contains Wolfe’s largest works to date, including his first chandelier and a monstrous glass floor lamp.  Created using the same blown-glass casting process, these more robust works showcase the way the artist continually pushes the limitations of his process and skills as a craftsman. “There are surprises that come with every scale,” remarks Wolfe. “It keeps it interesting for me.”