Architectural Glass is Like Commuting at an Art Gallery

You really don't know what to expect from one day to the next. When I started my glass design studio a couple of years ago, I never would have imagined that I would see my art at an airport. And when I was approached by the Aspen Pitkin County Airport, in Aspen, Colorado and the Bismarck Airport in Bismarck, North Dakota, that's exactly what happened. When we step out into the world each morning, either walking on the street or taking a bus or subway, we're surrounded by art. From the famous “Whirls and Twirls” by artist Sol LeWitt at the Columbus Avenue/59th Street station in New York to the beautiful statues at the Bangkok Airport, art is everywhere that people commute. In their infinite wisdom, city planners, architects and designers have all realized that art doesn't only belong in an art gallery but where people can enjoy it. And airports are definitely a major touchpoint for art and the community. Airport terminals are becoming the go-to places for contemporary art. While visitors are waiting to pick up relatives from their international excursions or passengers milling about the terminal, on their way to a connecting flight, glass art can add to the airport experience. Airports can be a confusing place, but glass art can make someone stop and relax for a moment. And for people that have a fear of flying, relaxing is a good thing. An airport terminal is the perfect mirror to the world of the contemporary artist. She can offer peace and tranquility in a busy space and make the real world of delays and lost baggage go away, at least for a minute.