Chomp (Ghost Toy Series) | Philip Stokes
Play often gets lost in adulthood and yet the benefits of such activity don't stop at a particular age. The activity releases endorphins making us feel happy and stress free.
Chomp embodies my intent for more play in the studio and in the way I unfold my creative ideas. After over 20 years of developing my skills as a full time glass blower it has been a thrill and pleasure to apply them to works that embody with nostalgia a carefree life and clear optimism.
The immobile glass toy in all its transparency may appear as a memory and reminder of how play has shaped all of us. The iconic image of this toy - a trigger or portal back to the time where we all really lived in the moment and where imagination did run free. Chomp is very much from that moment in time - so different to the realities of today's world where fear and anxieties plague our ability to be and to interact with others. When I am making the Ghost Toy Series in the hot shop studio the space becomes my playground, my tools are my toys and the glass is my very hot play dough. I worked with a team of 4 people to create this piece which is assembled by hot joining pre-formed components and hand carving teeth and feet into the viscous material.
Philip Stokes is one of Australasia's leading contemporary glass artists and now spends his time between Melbourne Australia and New Zealand, refining, expanding and exploring the craft of glass.
Chomp 2022 (Ghost Toy Series)
Solid formed and Sculpted Hot Glass.
Dimensions: H18cm X W20cm X D19cm