"Chromatic Fusion"
Lee Riley
May 10th - June 7th
Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 5pm
Globe Fine Art is delighted to showcase the glass and steel works of Lee Riley. With their fusion of colored transparent glass and sleek steel, these sculptures captivate the eye and engage the imagination. Their playful, whimsical forms invite a sense of lightheartedness; a momentary escape from the mundane. Yet, this playfulness serves a deeper purpose. It's a springboard that launches the mind on a unique journey, traversing abstract landscapes in search of its own sanctuary – a space of pure tranquility.
Riley, a cancer researcher and surgeon, began experimenting with glass as a way to decompress. His advanced medical training prepared him for the technical portion of his profession, but not the emotional demands of his field. Eventually, he found working with glass fulfilled his needs; not only was he recharged, but he quickly became passionate about the medium. With no formal training in glass or art, Riley sought classes and workshops starting at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem, PA.
Lee enrolled in a cold glass workshop with Martin Rosol at the Corning Museum where he envisioned combining his interest in minerals with his glass work. There were no instructors for this, but with his background as a chemistry major, perseverance, and luck, he was able to succeed. In addition to “healing thyself,” Riley began incorporating art into his medical practice. Initially, he donated his art to support numerous cancer fundraising events, and now he works with a resident artist at his medical office to help patients create glass pendants during their treatments.
