During the coronavirus pandemic I was provided with the opportunity to be an artist in residence at Starworks Center for Creative Enterprise in North Carolina. Funded in part with a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council for new work development, I was able to explore fresh ideas in both clay and glass. One of my favorite discoveries was pate de verre (paste of glass). The technique allowed me to explore color with cast glass that I could duplicate in my own studio and kilns. I was immediately enamored with the brilliant pallet of glass frits and began pushing the material to begin a body of work that will certainly continue to evolve.

Below are the first iterations, based mostly upon colors and patterns of threatened and endangered plants, animals and habitats. I have chosen vessel forms to symbolize humanity's inseparability from the environment. Each is one-of-a-kind, cast in a plaster mold which can only be used once to each its own unique form, pattern and texture.

To see additional images and to add one of these new works to your collection or purchase as a gift, please contact me at eric@ericserritella.com or 919-590-5708.