Thora Gerstner

I am researching since 2019 on pattern, specifically historical carpet pattern.

Q&A

Artist Statement

I am researching since 2019 on pattern, specifically historical carpet pattern, appearing in Renaissance paintings or historical books as a decorative background. Mostly those depicted textiles do have a highly aesthetic and delicate value, although just being part of a bigger picture. By focusing on those details, I am aiming to appreciate and outline the aesthetics of the pieces. In doing so I am transforming those fragments into delicate works of glass. The translation from one to another material is highlighting the specific characteristics and underlining the unique quality of the repetitive structures.

What craft do you work with?

The technical ranges I am using and constantly improving are primarily silk-screening, painting, and sandblasting on glass.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

My research on pattern is trying to redefine glass as a material within the potential it brings through it’s possible ambiguity, being hard or soft, opaque or transparent, cold or hot, depending on its changes of physical appearance

How do you start your creative process?

The idea of the exclusive fact, that any design on glass is working with the surrounding space, related to it’s naturally transparent look is another topic I am using to working more and more on an installation-based idea

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

My work is the effort to connect and openly communicate. I am highly interested to develop a space between viewer and artwork. I am providing with my artwork material towards an audience for them to sensually and intellectually being triggered, while giving room for own interpretation.