I find myself looking at the world as a surveyor—telling stories through objects,
explains Norwood Viviano. His kiln-cast glass sculptures vividly portray iconic city skylines, each reflecting the unique industries that define them. From Houston’s oil fields and Pittsburgh’s steel mills to Portland’s timber industry, and Detroit’s legendary automotive history, Viviano’s work captures the essence of these cities.
Viviano’s creative process involves in-depth discussions with historians, urban planners, demographers, climate scientists, and statisticians. He meticulously analyzes data and historical insights to grasp the character of each city. This understanding is translated into three-dimensional computer models, which are then brought to life through glass-blowing and casting techniques. His sculptures, like a series of cut crystal tumblers representing Toledo or an automobile engine symbolizing Detroit, map the unique architectural and infrastructural patterns of each city.
For more on Viviano’s captivating kiln-cast glass sculptures, visit his website.
