New too are the sculptural pieces, like sea lions and orcas, with sleek lines. In the vase collection, the newer line called “The Woods” is characterized by tree and forest scenes through the four seasons. In addition, the studio helped develop what was called the “California style” of art glass which is “rooted in nature” with shapes and images of animals and flowers.Īrt glass from many other studios is created in forms or shapes, rather than what Sillars calls “understandable art.” What also sets Orient and Flume apart is that the glass is truly unique and made at the studio following a recipe like no other art glass. The not-so-perfect to an artist’s eye, called “seconds,” can not be found anywhere else. New designs early in their lives and “experiments” are only available at the Park Avenue gallery. Love of the customer - from ardent collector to first timer - means that locals get special access that others don’t. “Without the local collectors there’s no way we could have continued.” “We feel very fortunate that the local community enjoys our work and have been very supportive,” Sillars said.
Hit like other art businesses throughout the country, Orient and Flume is building back, working to restore its wholesale business by adding more galleries, but very happy with its retail site on Park Avenue and its website business.Įven before the economy tanked, the Orient and Flume team counted its blessings locally. Today, that number is about 25 galleries that carry its work. Orient and Flume have had dealings with roughly 400 galleries in the wholesale business, Davis said. Glass from this studio is displayed in several major museums including the Smithsonian Museum, the Corning Glass Museum, the Metropolitan Museum, and others.As the economy inches back, the artists would like to step up production and perhaps add to their team eventually.ĭavis said she has seen the number of art galleries diminish as the economy struggled over the past few years.
ORIENT AND FLUME FULL
The base of an Orient and Flume piece typically carries the designers name, the studio name (in full or abbreviated) and the date plus company identification codes. Orient and Flume glass is always signed, and different systems have been used at various times to indicate quality. Amongst the other great artists whose work carries the Orient & Flume signature are Bruce Sillars, Scott Beyers, Greg Held, Ed Alexander, Dave Smallhouse, and Mike Shaw amongst others. This studio produces magnificent vases, paperweights, perfume bottles and bowls.ĭouglas Boyd, the company president, was the founder and original glass artist. The Orient & Flume Studio is especially famous for two types of glass: firstly irridized glass and secondly clear crystal glass with encased lampwork designs, like the perfume bottle on the left.
It was founded in 1972 in an old carriage house between Orient Street and Flume Street, in Chico, California, but later moved to its current premises at 2161 Park Avenue, Chico. Orient & Flume is one of the great contemporary American glass studios. Orient & Flume Glass: A short explanation
Orient and Flume Glass information from the Glass Encyclopedia Orient and Flume Glass:
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