One of the most appealing aspects of blown glass is its inherent ability to catch fluid motion in solid form. Kyle Kraiter captures this essence in both his art and the name he’s given it, “Liquid Designs.” His luminous bowls and vases are a central feature of this month’s exhibit at The Framed Image Gallery in Moab, starting with the first Art Walk of the season on Saturday, October 10. The pieces are hand-blown, incorporating vibrant hues and a sense of whimsy to elegant shapes.

Several vases share a similar form, a tornado-like twist involving a large rim narrowing to a delicate base. Each vase has two openings whose spirals interlock, resembling the interior geometry of a conch shell. One vase is aptly entitled, “Optic Twist,” incorporating swirls of cobalt that enhance the dazzling effect of the mouths funneling down to the narrow base.

Another set of glassware in Kraiter’s collection is entitled “Darwin Series,” and features bowls of varying widths and depths, some of which stand on spindly legs. These tripods, evocative of the series’ namesake and its connection to evolution, give the impression that the bowls have recently sprouted legs and might just walk right off the table.

Kraiter uses bright hues within his medium effectively, as they seem to glow fiery colors as light passes through his assortment of bowls and vases. He also plays to advantage the medium’s essential quality of capturing forever the last moments of motion and malleability before the molten glass hardens. It’s like a 3-D photograph; the piece forever represents that instant of transformation from liquid to solid.

These glass vessels exude sensuality, suggestively inviting the viewer to caress the organic curves and glassy smoothness. Kraiter draws inspiration for his art from the natural world, particularly the ocean and the human figure. His love for this medium extends to all his senses, including taste and feel, and he conveys this through the lines, colors and textures of his glassworks.

There is no hyperbole in saying that he has traveled the world to master his skill. He has both studied and worked in his field in diverse regions, including Oceania, Scandinavia and Asia. His peripatetic ways have culminated in a return home to his native Oregon, where he continues to draw inspiration from its coastal landscapes for his graceful, organic shapes.

Kyle Kraiter’s work will be on dispaly at The Framed Image Gallery beginning October 10. The opening reception, beginning at 6 pm is part of Moab’s monthly Art Walk.

Annabelle Numaguchi