Linda Billet: Recent Works in Glass

Plot

Born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania in 1961, Linda Billet lives and works in nearby Hummelstown, PA, a few miles east of Harrisburg. A lifelong love of art has evolved to full-time pursuit. Though mostly self-taught, Linda exhibits the skill of a master glassworker, whether fusing, building large installations, or carefully setting mosaics. Her subject matter captures the wonder and joy of natural settings as well as the whimsical humor found in everyday existence. This book presents Linda Billet's recent work in four categories: Fused: These colorful kiln-fired works run the gamut from abstract collages to garden and kitchen table themes. Not So Pretty Now, with its skeleton, flowers and flies reminds us of the brevity of life and our connection to nature. The motion captured in Ocean Wave 7 and North Shore informs us of the power and beauty of the natural world. New York Minute illustrates the “busy-ness” of New York City. Sunnyside Up, Shortcake, Sunshine and other similar pieces simply look good enough to eat! Photoworks: These fused pieces with encapsulated photographs make wonderful “bejeweled” heirlooms for the recipients. Installations: The artist has demonstrated the potential scale of glasswork, and its use in concert with architecture. The backsplash in the D'Angelo's kitchen is a masterpiece of color and composition in a difficult medium. Mosaics: Like museum pieces from ancient Rome or Greece, Linda Billet's mosaics are her finest work, given the compositions, scale and complexity. Pink Lady accentuates the feminine qualities of the flamingo. Carter's House and End of the Route are picturesque townscape scenes with remarkable detail and local connections. The facets in the iris of the eye in Twinkle transfix the viewer like a kaleidoscope. The self-portrait of the swimmer in Follow Your Bliss conveys the joy and happiness the artist brings to her work, along with her love for life.