| -About
Luminated Manuscripts |
| The conceptual design for the expansion
and renovation of Knight Library (1988-94) allowed for the inclusion of
several ‘architecturally integrated’ works of art. The distinctive sculpture
Pegasus,
perched atop the library, is among the best known of these works. Pegasus
and other works acquired during this time were funded in accordance with
Percent for Art legislation and selected by a collaborative process managed by the Oregon
Arts Commission’s Percent
for Public Art Program.
Decorative step lights were envisioned
for the circular staircase which serves as a focal point for the south
end of the library. In 1990, three glass artists -- John Rose, Linda
Ethier, and Liz Capelli -- were invited to make a proposal for the design
and fabrication of cast glass sculptures to decorate (and illuminate) these
stairs. In 1991, Ethier, of Portland, Oregon, was selected for
the project, and in response to the selection committee’s
suggestions, she used collections unique to Knight Library as the inspiration
for her final designs.
Ethier’s completed work, entitled Luminated
Manuscripts, consists of 15 glass panels installed on the guardrails
of the three flights of stairs that comprise what is now called the Solari
Staircase. This staircase is named for Mary Corrigan Solari, a 1946 UO graduate,
and her husband, Richard Solari, who contributed to the Knight Library
expansion project. Initially installed in November, 1992, the glass sculptures were
adjusted with filters in August 1993 to enhance their appearance.
The panels depict a variety of figures
and objects associated with library collections, and several images are based on recommendations from library staff.
Thus these illuminated panels represent a unique collaboration resulting in art about the library: its environment, collections, and the people it serves.
As step lights, the content and detail of Luminated Manuscripts are not easily apparent, although the color and texture of the panels clearly stand out.
The purpose of this web page is to provide images which can more easily be examined
-- images scanned from slides made by the artist before installation of the work
-- as well as some background information about the processes employed
to create this sculptural ensemble.
See this
page more information about how this work was created.
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| Resources
About Linda Ethier:
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Ethier, Linda. Linda Ethier Art Glass [artist's web site].
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Ethier, Linda. Interview, conducted by Ed Teague. 16 Nov. 2003.
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Gragg, Randy. “Transparent Torsos
Test Your Viewpoint.” The Oregonian 26 October 1990: K24.
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Oregon Art Beat [# 3,
1999-2000 season]. Portland, OR: Oregon Public Broadcasting, 1999-2000.
Show includes Linda Ethier; Will Vinton; the Portland Opera.
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Oregon Art Beat [# 404,
October 24, 2002]. Portland, OR: Oregon Public Broadcasting, 2002.
Show includes Linda Ethier; Pete Beeman, Body Moves.
Richards, Suzanne. “Schools
Become Galleries for Fun, Functional Art.”
The Oregonian 14 February
1991: 10.
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“Troutdale Husband/Wife Team
to Show a Touch of Glass at Their First Joint Show.” The Oregonian
16 June 1989: G17.
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University of Oregon Libraries Percent for Art Archives.
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Wichert, Geoffrey. “Fusing.”
Stained
Glass 90 (Summer 1995): 104-7. The work of Linda Ethier is featured
as an example kiln-forming in architectural glass.
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| About Knight Library's
architecture:
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About cast glass art:
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“Casting.” Dictionary of
Glass: Materials and Techniques. Charles Bray. 2nd ed. Philadelphia:
University of Pennsylvania Press, 2001. 68-72.
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"Cire
Perdue."
The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001.
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“Fusing.” Dictionary of Glass:
Materials and Techniques. Charles Bray. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: University
of Pennsylvania Press, 2001. 127-8.
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“Lost Wax Technique.” Dictionary
of Glass: Materials and Techniques. Charles Bray. 2nd ed. Philadelphia:
University of Pennsylvania Press, 2001. 163-5.
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Luminated
Manuscripts: Art and Craft
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Winchert, op cit.
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