Paul van den Bijgaart
BIO
Paul van den Bijgaart was born in Edmonton, Alberta. His youth was fueled with a pursuit for adrenaline through downhill ski racing, mountain biking, and skateboarding. This life in motion eventually led him to a weekend glassblowing workshop at Red Deer College in 2007. Since then, he’s continued his studies at Haliburton School of the Arts, Sheridan College, Pilchuck Glass School, and The Corning Museum of Glass. In 2015 a leap of faith led him to Beijing China.
For the next 4 years he traveled China and became intrigued by Chinese ink painting. Throughout his travels a seed of a new man was planted, and with the skills gained from his youthful love of motion and western studio practice alongside a new found philosophy and understanding of the world. He’s attempting to find a balance and harmony within the studio to create meaningful objects that people can relate to in the rituals and ceremonies of daily life.
CAPSTONE PROJECT
CULTURE CROSSING
My capstone project was an investigation of the spiritual connection which can develop through the dedication to craftsmanship. Many different sources of inspiration and philosophical influences had a deep impact on my mentality and dedication towards a creative pursuit of working with my hands. The explorative methods of creative expression, technical achievements, and sources of inspiration ultimately led me to develop a glassblowing technique which is indicative of flowing ink paintings. It’s through this project that I was able to link multiple aspects of my creative journey as well as encompass my passion and attraction to the fluid process of glassblowing. Through the completion of this project I feel as though I was able to breathe new life into my creative endeavour within the realm of contemporary craft.
FEATURED Work
Title: Ink Panel
Dimensions: 40 x 17 x 2 cm
Year: 2021
Materials: Blown Glass
Title: Ink Panel (detail)
Title: Ink Panel (detail)
Title: Double Dragon
Dimensions: 20 x 45 x 2 cm
Year: 2021
Materials: Blown Glass
Title: Double Dragon (detail)