by Artist (17)
Ginny Ruffner
American, 1952–2025
"The Art Game" displays the whimsy of artist Ginny Ruffner. A pyramid of chains rises from a playing-card-and-die base and holds what Ruffner terms “issues surrounding making a living from art.” Paintbrushes—tools of the trade—stand like soldiers at one side. Another side features a painting of a domestic interior opening toward a garden, representing the “necessity of contemplative space,” above which is a clock reading 2:30, which signifies Ruffner’s lucky number: 23. The third side holds a question mark enclosed in a gilded frame, representing the creativity that allows an artist endless possibilities. All of these are attached to the pyramid of chains, which do not bind but instead provide support. The entire sculpture is the product of lampworking, an intricate process in which the artist heats rods of glass over a gas-oxygen burner and shapes them with small tools. On many of the clear rods, Ruffner then adds details with paint.
American, 1952–2025
The Art Game
1999
Object Type:
Glass
Dimensions:
19 in. x 12 1/2 in. x 11 3/4 in. (48.26 cm x 31.75 cm x 29.85 cm)
Medium and Support:
Lampworked glass and mixed media
Accession Number:
2003.0007
Credit Line:
Gift of the artist in honor of Mark M. Johnson, Director
Currently On View
"The Art Game" displays the whimsy of artist Ginny Ruffner. A pyramid of chains rises from a playing-card-and-die base and holds what Ruffner terms “issues surrounding making a living from art.” Paintbrushes—tools of the trade—stand like soldiers at one side. Another side features a painting of a domestic interior opening toward a garden, representing the “necessity of contemplative space,” above which is a clock reading 2:30, which signifies Ruffner’s lucky number: 23. The third side holds a question mark enclosed in a gilded frame, representing the creativity that allows an artist endless possibilities. All of these are attached to the pyramid of chains, which do not bind but instead provide support. The entire sculpture is the product of lampworking, an intricate process in which the artist heats rods of glass over a gas-oxygen burner and shapes them with small tools. On many of the clear rods, Ruffner then adds details with paint.
Keywords
Click a term to view the records with the same keyword
Additional Images
Click an image to view a larger version
Clock and Frame Sides
Clock Side
Frame with Question Mark Side
Paintbrushes Side
Portfolio List
Click a portfolio name to view all the objects in that portfolio
This object is a member of the following portfolios:
Your current search criteria is: Keyword is "JP".