Kjell Engman
Kjell Engman is from a musical family , and he plays the bass . Music has always permeated his glass art – not only in his popular glass instruments , but in the dancing musicality and joie de vivre conveyed by his figures , objects and settings .
As a glass artist , Engman has always been a storyteller . He is passionate about building imaginary worlds of glass and other elements – sets , lighting , and other effects , such as fragrance and of course , music , soundtracks .
Kjell Engman ’ s glass art is characterized by bold colors , generous and playful shapes and the constant presence of whimsy and humor . In addition to music and instruments , his glass art is populated by animals , nature and symbols from daily life as well as from the conscious and subconscious . A life-affirming abundance of joy could be considered a theme throughout his versatile expressions as a glass artist .
“ In my view , the glass is the pen for writing my stories . I want to offer my audience joy and fantasy . My art should make people smile ; it should be something positive . For example , take my bathing ladies , inspired by an unforgettable visit to a church in Harlem , New York . The gospel-singing ladies I saw there were some of the biggest people I had ever seen , but they moved with such incredible lightness . It ’ s not about how you look , but your self-confidence and a joy that makes you float . That is the feeling I want to convey through my art .”
The diversity of Kjell Engman ’ s work has led some viewers to perceive his artistic style as scattered , as he sometimes says . But he enjoys this whimsical , scattered quality .
“ What energizes me is when I set up a show , as I did in Stenungssund a few years ago , with my bathing ladies on a beach , and thousands of viewers come to see them in a few weeks . It inspires me when my audience tells me about the fantasies that my worlds have awakened for them . I really don ’ t enjoy titling my works . I don ’ t want to guide the viewer ; rather , I want everyone to create their own fantasy world .”
Kjell Engman was born in Stockholm and studied at the University of Arts , Crafts & Design and at the famous , trendsetting Pilchuck Glass School outside of Seattle , Washington in the Pacific Northwest of the US . He has been active as a glass artist and designer at Kosta Boda since 1978 . Kjell Engman lives on Öland . He celebrated 45 years at Kosta Boda 2023 .
“ I ’ m passionate about the larger context , the overall whole . I love building worlds , creating moods and actions . I think of my installations as movies without dialogue – like I ’ m the director and the glass figures are my actors . My aim is to spark the viewer ’ s sense of empathy , not to dictate any truths . The more interpretations , the better .”
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