About The Artist

Artist Statement

The vehicle of glass as an art material continues to diversify, and the very essence of the substance is a major catalyst for this growth. From its flowing curves to hard cut lines, smooth surfaces to embellished textures, and (perhaps most distinctly) its range of complete transparency to full saturation of color, it is an artistic tool like no other. Whether heated, embellished, or used as a lens, the inherent versatility it provides is a gift to those who create with it. For me, after more than a decade of working with this material, it has begun to reveal some deeper truths of its nature, as well as my own.
Dene Stephens

"By using modern materials with traditional tools and rooting in the Italian process, a unique style of glassblowing has been emerging for several decades. This style differs in that “hard” glass tubes and rods are heated by a torch rather than drawing molten “soft” glass from a crucible. This harder glass (called borosilicate) possesses fascinating and individual characteristics, most notably its ability to be heated and cooled rather quickly with minimal stress. Still in its relative infancy and led by a few key artists around the globe, this style of blown glass is called “flameworking,” and is a variation of “lampworking.” Some key ancient techniques have been transferred from the furnace to the torch, and new ones are continually being developed. Working glass at a torch allows for great detail.

I relate to the emphasis that the old Venetian Glass Houses placed on mastering the necessary processes. However, I also appreciate being part of the second generation of the American Studio Glass Movement; having full creative license, able to freely explore ideas or incorporate production tasks. My compositions come from both sides of the brain. The vessels are an effort to pay homage to the masters and respect the medium. Glass Micro Imaging has opened up a whole new world of expression, which continues to challenge and enlighten. I work in distinct modes, often dictated by faith and family. Capturing the essence of these modes is why I'm compelled to create, and I’m grateful for the opportunity."

1998 - Dene studied scientific glassblowing & bead making under Professor Jay Bardole of Vincennes University, in Indiana.
2001 - Dene was awarded a work/study scholarship at Penland School of Crafts in Penland, North Carolina, and studied narrative flameworking under Ellie Burke.
2003 - He was awarded best demonstrator at the Audubon Creative Arts Fest in Henderson, Kentucky.
2004 - Dene was one of only nine students selected globally to study the art of Venetian Flameworking at the Corning School of Glass in Corning, New York. His teacher, considered to be the finest technical flameworker in the world, was Cesaré Toffolo.
2005 - Again awarded best demonstrator at the Audubon Creative Arts Fest in Henderson, Kentucky.
2006 - Dene was awarded an Individual Project Grant by the Indiana Arts Commission to create a series of vessels using some traditional Venetian methods. He also received an Honorable Mention from the juror at the “Working Together” exhibition, and third place in the 3-D category at the “Art in the City”, both being exhibitions by the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana.
2007 - In April he received 1st place in the 3-D category at the “Art in the City” exhibition. Additionally, he received a 1st place award for his contribution to the “Working Together” exhibition. Dene was commissioned to design and create the Mayor’s Awards given at the 2007 Arts Educator Awards Banquet. In December, he had a piece accepted into the 40th Annual Mid-States Craft Exhibition at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, & Science. Dene also participated in the Arts Council group exhibition at Evansville Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife, Doni, were in a dual artist show at the Oaklyn Library. Also in 2007, Dene developed a hybrid artistic niche by photographing some extraordinary minutiae, as well as manually composing images and scenes from blown and other types of glass. This process, he calls Glass Micro Imaging emerged by combining a decade of glassblowing experience with some unconventional photo techniques. The images artfully illustrate the wide range of properties held by glass.
2008 - Dene and Doni opened Glowing Sands Glass Art gallery in the newly formed Haynie’s Corner Arts District in Evansville, Indiana. Their first exhibition was entitled "2-D: A Different Dimension of Glass Art," and was the first showing of Dene's Glass Micro Image Photography. He also showed his photos at the Evansville Chamber of Commerce and at Penny Lane Coffee House that year.
2009 - Curated and participated in the following exhibitions at Glowing Sands Glass Gallery:

An eight-artist show entitled: "Intricate Visions: An Exhibition of Hand-Held Glass Objects and Contemporary Glass Jewelry"

"Vitreoscapes: Finding the Grand in the Mundane"

"The Goblet Aesthetic: Balancing Form, Function, and Style"

An early phase of creation at the torch.