1999 Studio Art Glass Scavo Iridescent Vase by Artist Tom Philabaum

1999 Monumental Studio Art Glass Scavo Iridescent Vase by Artist Tom Philabaum.

SCAVO MONUMENTAL VASE / VESSEL

21.5”h x 14”w Blown glass with scavo treatment From the Scavo Series sits on Footed round 7″ base signed and dated on the underneath of the vase/vessel by Thomas Philabaum.

This very heavy large semi-transparent scavo vase sculpture transforms from dark to light, like a sunrise and or sunset. The Vase/vessel Changes colors with the different lighting throughout the day.
The vase/vessel is one of Tom Philabaum’s favorite pieces from the Scavo Series 1998 – 2018

Scavo is a form of surface decoration that creates a look of instant antiquity. Developed by the Italians (it means “unearthed”), scavo is a chemical attack on the surface of the glass. Once the piece is finished and still on the punty, the scavo mixture is lightly dusted onto the surface. A dangerous procedure due to the noxious fumes, scavo must be burned on or “set” by firing up to six times in the Glory Hole prior to annealing.

“Scavo is Italian, and we mix it like we make love…blindly.” Pinnochio

Tom Philabaum — Tucson’s own glass artist extraordinaire who recently retired from glassblowing in 2019 — shares his most challenging process of glass making is Scavo his favorite treatment of glass, and explains why it resonates with him.
“As a ceramic artist, I was drawn to the surface texture of wood ash glazes. Translating this to glass, I discovered the Italian technique of scavo, a chemical attack that alters the glass surface from glossy to rough. I liked that. For me, scavo represents a look of instant antiquity.”

A life-long artist, Tom Philabaum was fortunate to study in the country’s first glassblowing program at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After graduating, he started Tucson’s first glassblowing studio in 1975. Since 1985, Tom and Dabney Philabaum have been creating, selling and promoting glass art at Philabaum Glass Gallery & Studio near Downtown Tucson. Though Tom retired from a 50-plus year career of glassblowing at the end of 2018, he has continued to paint and fuse glass, and the Tom Philabaum Gallery has stayed open, showing glass art from more than 30 artists from all over the country in Tucson.

Very good condition no chips, no cracks, and no repairs.