Artist Bio

(B. 1977)
Jeff started working with glass at the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana in the fall of 1996. After receiving his BFA in 2000 Jeff spent six years gaffing and designing work for production studios across the Southwest. Jeff has had the privilege of working and taking classes at Pilchuck Glass School, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and the Pittsburgh Glass Center, studying under notable artists such as Dante Marioni, Chris Taylor, and Davide Salvadore. Jeff’s most recent work combines traditional Italian influence with contemporary style and design. In 2006 Jeff re-located to the Northwest where he spends time creating his own work, and teaching classes at the Eugene Glass School, and the University of Oregon Craft Center. Recently Jeff was announced as a finalist for the 2008 Niche Awards and was asked to be Craftsperson in Residence for the creation of Pilchucks 2008 auction centerpieces. His work can be found in galleries, museums, and private collections throughout the United States.

Polarity Vessels

Soft Geometry

The Soft Geometry series came out of a desire to use a subtle yet dramatic color fade in a way that was more organic and less controlled than my other work. These pieces rely on the subtleties of the softened geometric shapes and the color variances when different types of light are transmitted through the vessel. A more playful approach to the glass blowing process is taken during the creation of these works, lending a less predictable outcome, which for me is a departure from most of my other work. Recently I have started to evolve this series by adding more layers of clear glass to the outside and playing with ideas of internal vs. external and translucence vs. transparency. The newer evolution of this series can be viewed at Eyeful Gallery during the month of June in an exhibition of new works by resident artists of the gallery. Eyeful Gallery is located at 625 NW Everett st. in downtown Portland

Landscapes

The wavy banded color schemes are inspired by my time in New Mexico. These particular vessels are accented with carved sections on the middle band of color.

"Ripple Effect"

A moment in nature frozen in time.

Cinder Vessel Series

These pieces have playful smooth interior colors with a contrasting textured finish on the outside surface. Clean precise forms define functionality.

Bowls

One of my favorite things to make out of glass would definitely have to be bowls. There is no form so simple with so much understated complexity. It has roots in function, however these bowls transcend function to become something much more.

Finally I have a place to show the world a small sampling of what it is I do for a living. My name is Jeff Ballard and I am a glass artist. I have been working with blown glass for the last twelve years and to this very day still find it to be the most mesmerizing and elusive material I've ever worked with. I currently live in Eugene Oregon where I create my works of art and teach glassblowing classes at the University of Oregon Craft Center (http://craftcenter.uoregon.edu/) and the Eugene Glass School (http://www.eugeneglassschool.org/) Mostly this will be a place for me to display works I have created in the studio, however I'm sure I will be updating it occasionally to let you all know where I am and what I am up to. I hope you enjoy it.