Blue Green Works' "Garden" Collection: Murano Glass Lighting as an Expression of Emotion
Blue Green Works, an American lighting design studio co-founded by Peter B. Staples and James McAvey in 2020, has unveiled its latest collection, “Garden.” This series of works represents a significant artistic departure for Staples, drawing deeply from a personal journey of loss and emotional introspection. The collection, which utilizes the historic artistry of Murano glass, is an intimate reflection on heartbreak, resilience, and the expressive potential of material. Each of the seven pieces is unique, crafted to order, and deviates from the vibrant, robust aesthetic typically associated with Murano, instead emphasizing delicate, clear forms that evoke vulnerability.
The "Garden" Collection: A Journey of Art and Emotion
Peter B. Staples, recognized as a Wallpaper* US 400 honoree, established Blue Green Works with a vision for open-ended design dialogues, fusing vernacular histories with his distinct personal insights. The studio's aesthetic, which Staples describes as "bold" and inspired by decades of work, is intentionally undefined, allowing for continuous exploration. This inquisitive approach has led to diverse collections, including works that delve into symbols of power and fixtures influenced by Horace Gifford's modernist architecture.
The genesis of the "Garden" collection was deeply personal. Staples was en route to Murano, Italy, to begin a collaboration with a fourth-generation glass fabricator when he received the news of his mother's passing. This profound loss led him to momentarily redirect his journey, returning to his childhood home in the Midwest. Weeks later, he resumed his transatlantic travels, dedicating seven months to working closely with Murano's master glassblowers. During this period, Staples found solace and a powerful outlet for his grief in the ancient craft of glassmaking. "Being alone in Venice, a place both incredibly strange and beautiful, allowed emotions to wash over me," Staples reflected, recognizing his mother's enduring influence on his life and work.
The choice of Murano glass was pivotal for the "Garden" collection. Staples sought a medium capable of conveying the profound emotions he experienced, something beyond his usual design toolkit. He found Murano glass to be inherently expressive, imbued with centuries of artistry and meticulous stewardship. The collection features clear glass elements meticulously arranged into intricate leaf and feather motifs. Staples notes, "There's a tranquility in portraying something alive, like motion, within a solid form." Pieces such as the "Fountain" and "Landscape" chandeliers exemplify this, with their delicate, feathery extensions appearing almost to flutter. In contrast to Murano glass's renowned vibrancy and strength, Staples deliberately highlighted the fragility of each component, with visible edges and unconcealed structures, creating a unique and deeply personal interpretation of the material. Each of the seven designs in the collection is a singular creation, tailored specifically for each client, further emphasizing its intimate and bespoke nature.
The creation of the "Garden" collection has offered Peter B. Staples not only a profound personal healing experience but also a significant expansion of Blue Green Works' artistic vocabulary. By embracing the emotional depth of a new medium, Staples has moved beyond his usual practice of distilling ideas into simple forms. This project underscores the transformative power of art, demonstrating how personal grief can be channeled into a unique and poignant expression. Staples' journey and the resulting "Garden" collection serve as a testament to the enduring human capacity to find beauty and meaning amidst sorrow, pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship to convey deeply felt emotions.