Keegan O’brien

Artist BIO

Keegan O’Brien, originally from Northwest Ohio, earned his three dimensional bachelor of fine arts from Bowling Green State University in 2019. His artistic journey began with ceramics, wood, and found objects, but he found his true passion in glass. The medium's interplay with light, its optical qualities, and its rich craft history captivated him, offering new dimensions for exploration in sculpture.

After graduating, Keegan worked as a gaffer at Schmidt and Messenger Studios, refining his technical skills and deepening his appreciation for the craft. He then set up his own studio practice in South Florida, where he produced and sold his work. Currently based in Kansas City, Keegan continues to pursue his artistic practice and works as a gaffer at Monarch Glass Studio, contributing to both his personal growth and the local glass art community.

ARTIST STATEMENT

In my practice as a hot glass artist, I am captivated by the transformative interplay of light, Transparency, and optical qualities within this dynamic medium. The process of working with molten glass offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore how light interacts with fluid forms, revealing the inherent beauty and complexity of this ancient craft. With a deep respect for the rich history and craftsmanship of glassmaking, I draw inspiration from traditional techniques that have shaped the art form over centuries. My work is a dialogue between historical reverence and contemporary innovation, where time-honored methods meet a modern exploration of form and function.

Nature provides a profound source of inspiration for my art. From the delicate transparency of a leaf to the intricate play of light on water, the natural world offers endless variations of transparency and reflection. These observations influence the colors, textures, and forms I create, infusing each piece with a sense of organic fluidity and light. Personal experiences also play a crucial role in shaping my work. The emotional and sensory responses I have to the world around me are translated into glass, resulting in pieces that reflect both the beauty and complexity of my own journey. Each creation is a manifestation of how I perceive and interact with my environment, captured in the medium of hot glass.

Through my art, I strive to evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation, encouraging viewers to experience the delicate balance of light and form. My goal is to create pieces that resonate on a visual and emotional level, celebrating the interplay between tradition and innovation, nature and personal expression.