Sam Herman Red and Yellow Glass Vases

Sam Herman, Yellow and Red Glass Vases

The Artist

Samuel J Herman is an artist of international renown. Sam was born in Mexico City in 1936 but when his father died in Sam's infancy, mother and son moved to the United States.  Following service in the US Navy between 1955 and 1959, Sam went to study at the Western Washington State College Bellingham, graduating in 1963. Two years later, Herman went to study glass and sculpture at the University of Wisconsin and studied under Harvey Littleton. From 1969 to 1974, Herman travelled to Great Britain, firstly on a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the Edinburgh College of Art. It didn't take long for Herman to settle down, he became a research fellow at the Royal College of Art, London and taught at the Stourbridge College of Art and later lectured in the Royal College of Art.

In 1974, Sam Herman travelled to South Australia at the invitation of the State Government to set up a glass workshop at the 'Jam Factory', Adelaide. Herman spent five years in Australia, lecturing and exhibiting his works of art before returning to London in 1979. In 1983, Sam became an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Art. From 1986, Sam diversified and started to paint and sculpt returning occasionally to glass work.

Not surprisingly, Herman's works of art can be found in major establishments including the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and the National Gallery of Victoria.

The Works of Art

The University of Canberra has two works of art by Sam Herman. These two blown glass forms were created during the time Herman was resident in Adelaide in 1975. The works seem to compliment and yet juxtapose each other. Red Glass Vase is a short hand-blown work rich in colour. It forms a delicate rising bulbous form which contrasts to the slim form of the Yellow Glass Vase. Sam was influenced by the colours from the Australian Outback and Desert when he created many of his works. The forms and styles are synonymous with fashions of the 1970s.

The University of Canberra holds a small collection of glassware which forms part of its decorative art cadre. They represent many different styles and influences and demonstrates just how versatile this form of art can be.

References

Samuel J Herman, https://www.samueljherman.com

Samuel J Herman entry, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Herman