Posted 2 years ago
kwqd
(1178 items)
This vase is 11" (28 cm) high x 5.5" (14 cm) widest diameter with a very rough pontil mark and weighs in at 2.3 lbs. It is signed on the bottom "Michel E Metcalf '92". It has a yellow amber color and external spiral to the glass. Michel is an alternate spelling of "Mitchel".
It was a $1.99 thrift shop find today. It probably came from the art glass program at Illinois State University where the artist was a graduate student. The program was led by Joel Myers at the time and is now led by well known glass artist John Miller who was one of his students.
It is quite well executed, except for a bit of a wobble when standing and has been used as a vase since I found the remains of some plant matter in it. It was at the local "rich folks" thrift shop so I was surprised at the modest price.
Love that Fourth pic. Very well done.
Thanks, Kevin!
Thats certainly a beauty for a sweet price!
Thanks, Falcon61!
Thanks for loving my vase TN_Auctions, fortapache, Deano, Vynil33rpm, jscott0363, Jenni, WhenIsraelbelieves, Falcon61 and Kevin!
indeed a bargain and so bright
Thanks for your comments, kivatinitz! It is a cheerful vase.
Thanks for loving my Metcalf vase dav2no1, PhilDMorris, kivatinitz, Ivonne, BHIFOS and Drake47!
Yes as Kevin says the last picture displays the spiral so well!
Thanks for your comments, Karen! The artist made it easy for me. I don't think I have ever seen a piece of glass that shows so clearly how it was made.
Thanks Cisum and Blammoammo!
Thanks, inky!
I can solve the mystery! I knew the artist! Back in the late 1980's- early '90's he and I were both art students at Illinois State University. Mich (pronounced "Mitch") was a grad student in the glass department; the main professor was Joel Myers. Yes, THE Joel Myers of Blenko Glass fame! Mich is originally from Springfield; we lost touch after college, so I don't know if he's still producing art or not. I also have one of his vases- mine is green with white swirls, similar to yours. Great find!!
Thanks, Asmithfineart! I also attended ISU. I tracked Michel down to an address in Springfield several week ago, but have not found an email address, working phone number or any information about work as an artist. I go to Springfield, occasionally, to do research, so the next I go, I will drop by his address and see if he still lives there.
I have several pieces by Joel Myers in my collection. Not sure if any of it comes from his time at ISU. Some of it is Blenko.
Thanks for loving my vase, Faith.k, BlindSquirrel and Asmithfineart!
BTW, Asmithfineart, it would be nice to see a post of your MEM vase!!
Thanks, Deano!