Daniel N. Marder, a native of Highland Park, IL has been an exhibiting artist in various media since age 12. He has more than ten years of university teaching experience. From neon bending and torch work, to off-hand blowing, kiln/direct casting, and cold working glass. Marder is a master of glass process. Also he is well versed in other fire arts such as ceramics, black smiting, foundry, ferrous and non ferrous metal working and casting.

Daniel began his passage into glassworking at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he worked for two years as a tech for the neon bending courses. In the summer of 1990 he attended Oxbow in Saugatuck, MI for a summer of hot glass. After a semester at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and 6 months at Australian National University, in Canberra, Australia. Daniel received his Masters of Fine Arts from Temple University's (Tyler School of Art) While at Tyler Daniel was instrumental in modernizing and compleatly rebuilding the glass studio under the direction of John Clark in 1998.

After that Daniel taught Lamp Working at Urban Glass in Brooklyn, NY , while commuting between his studio in Maniyunk, PA and other teaching job Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD. in 1999 Marder pioneered the first glass blowing classes at Salisbury University (SU), which became the first and only Glass program in the Maryland State System. He designed and wrote the the corriculium for Hot Glass, 3-d design, Sculpture and Web page design at Salisbury, and was ran the glass 3-D and sculpture studios at the University until 2003.

Mr. Marder has been an entrepreneur as a freelance photographer and artist since 1979. He has an extensive international exhibition history having shown his work nationally and internationally for the past 20 years. Examples of his work are cataloged in the Corning Museum and Creative Glass Center of America archives.

Daniel Marder uses a myriad of materials in his sculptural work ranging from original audio compositions, electronics, blown and cast glass, cast metal and steel, to fabricated and found objects. Marder's education includes a BFA from the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, an MFA from Temple University, Tyler Campus, Elkins Park, PA, as well as studies at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, Ox Bow in Saugatuck, MI, The Institute of Art San Miguel in Allende, Mexico, Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI, Australian National University in Canberra, Australia, and Temple University in Rome, Italy.

Daniel shares his vast catalogue of process experience by teaching everything from equipment building to bead making at Making Glass, LLC.

Artist Statement

For me, visual art is a harmony of the philosophical notions of beauty as they pertain to vision, coupled with the science of creation. My current body of work explores the perception and relationships through the use of blown glass. My Nesting Forms combine tension and symbiosis reflected in the objects interior space and exterior form. The Tri-pod sculptures take the form of alien organisms in motion, exploring the relationship of the viewer with the placement of objects in proximity of each other. The fragment series is an interpretation of the perceived understanding of a relationship similar to that of an artifact exhibited in a natural history museum. All of this work allows the viewer to enter an unfamiliar realm of reality, by superimposing both the micro and macrocosmic through the use of scale. Human scale installation places the viewer philosophically if not literally inside the scene. The art references the body through its’ occupation of the viewer's perceptual representation of the self in proportion to the object of view.

Glass is the perfect medium for this work because of its inherent sensuality and versatility. It’s one of the few materials that can display several seemingly contradictory properties at the same time. Glass can be opaque, transparent, translucent, hard, soft, sharp, textured and polished at the same time. It is a fluid medium that represents the three-dimensional manifestation of thought. Working hot glass informs me beyond pen paper and imagination.

I use glass not as a decorative element but a sculptural medium. Because of its inherent sensuality and versatility, glass is the perfect medium for sculpture. It has the power to break down light to its essence, project a microcosm to a macrocosm, record moment in time; it can be stronger than stone or be as fragile as a sheet of ice.

Forming glass is a balance of both physical and mental extremes. Manipulating this alien material in its molten state is a balance of skill, control, science and will.. For me, the cold working process is even more cerebral. Often a piece cannot be created solely through hot formation. The finished piece can only reveal itself through hours of grinding and polishing. Revealing aspects of the work's breath and beauty that would be otherwise unseen. This is another way the glass forming process itself informs my work.

For me, one of the most intriguing aspects about working with glass is the intimate relationship it has with fire and light. Hot glass is a fluid medium, capable of consuming those drawn to it. Cold, glass can also be shaped and polished to reveal a new perspective of the object of view. Whether dull, polished, opaque, transparent, translucent, hard, soft, sharp, or all of the above at the same time, glass can display several contradictory properties concurrently. As a human I can identify with that; as an artist I utilize the process and understanding the medium I work with to guide it in forming my opinions in works of art.

Curriculum Vitae

Education

• 1995-1997- MFA, Masters of Fine Arts, Temple University, Tyler Campus Elkins Park, PA
  • Concentration: Glass
• 1996 Art and Culture Rome, Temple University Program “Vision and Rationality” Rome,Italy.
  • Faculty: Susan Stewart, Alan Singer, Franca Camiz, Jan Gadeyne Visiting: Peter Greenaway
• 1990-1995- Bachelors of Fine Arts School of the Art Institute Chicago, IL
  • Concentrations: ceramics, hot glass, kinetics, electronics, neon, sculpture
• 1994-1995 International Exchange Australian National University Canberra ACT
  • Concentrations: Aboriginal art theory and hot glass
  • Faculty: Jane Bruce, Sylvia Kleinert, Stephen Proctor
  • Visiting: Dante Marioni Dick Marquis and Brian Kirkvlit
• 1993 Rhode Island School of Design Exchange Program
  • Concentration: Glass blowing
  • Faculty: Michael Scheiner
• 1992-1993- Pre-Columbian Excursion, Mexico Institute of Art San Miguel de Allende
  • Traveled through Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Tecolutla Vericruz for the study of Pre-Columbian and modern North American art.
  • Faculty: Fillip Eranburg and Jennifer Herrith
• 1991-1994- Ox Bow Saugatuck, MI.
  • Beginning glassblowing 1 and 2, glass blowing, glass forming, mold blowing, coal forge black-smithing, independent study.
  • Faculty: Jerry and Cathy Catania. Visiting: Kotoro Hamada, George Seagull, Stephen Tater, Mike Zelenka
• 1983-1986- Southern Illinois University, undergraduate program, Carbondale, IL
  • Concentrations: cinema and photography

Instructor- Hot , Cold, Torch , Boro, Casting, Fused & Neon

Experience

• 2003 - Present - Founder Making Glass LLC
• 1998 -2003 - Full time Faculty Fulton School, Art Department Salisbury University, Salisbury MD
  • Duties: 3-D and sculpture area head. Determined a new curriculum for area. Built a hot glass studio as pioneer glass blowing and casting program in the Maryland State System. Consulted on new 3-D facility design and location. Aided in press coverage and fund raising for area.
  • Curriculum: 3-D, advanced 3-D, glass blowing, sculpture 1, 2, 3, web page design and wood sculpture, assemblage and art installation classes.
• 1998 Adjunct Faculty, Art Department, Salisbury University, Salisbury MD
  • Duties: Created first summer art program classes in 3-D at SU, Instructor for summer session 3-D\ glass casting class.
  • Adjunct Faculty, Art Department, Salisbury University, Salisbury MD
  • Duties: Instructor for BFA independent study, sculpture 1, 2, 3 and 3-D, advanced 3-D. Consultant on relocation and design of 3-D area. Including hot glass studio, glass casting, metal fabrication, mold fabrication and wood working areas.
  • Faculty, Urban Glass, Brooklyn, NY.
  • Duties: co-taught beginning lampworking using borosilicate and soft glass techniques, with Jennifer L. Kelting.
• 1997 Art Class Instructor, Creative Artists Network of Philadelphia
  • Duties: taught puppet-making workshop for underprivileged children.
• 1996-1997 Glass Department Technical Assistantship, Temple University Tyler Campus, Elkins Park, PA
  • Duties: consulted on design and supervised construction of new hot shop and addition. Head of glass studio operations including: equipment building and maintenance student teaching and supervision.
• 1995- Part Time Faculty, Temple University, Tyler Campus, Elkins Park, PA
  • Duties: taught beginning glass weekend workshop, TA for glass casting class.
• 1995-96- Part Time Faculty, Temple University, Tyler Campus, Elkins Park, PA
  • Introduction to glass class.
• 1991-1995- Teaching Assistant, Neon, The School of the Art Institute Chicago, IL Art and Tech. Department
  • Duties: Met with students weekly for sectional supervisory, tutoring and demonstration. Order materials for lab demonstration and resale. Repair and maintenance of neon lab and equipment.
• 1990-Present Independent Studio Artist: blown glass, neon, photographic processes, cast metal and steel sculpture, furniture and lighting.
• 1988-Present Freelance Commercial Photographer, Daniel Marder Photography
  • Digital large, medium and small format. (Editorial, people, and table top).
• 1984-1993 Touring Musician, Sanctuary House Band, Chicago, IL
  • Lead vocals, rhythm guitar, musical composition, studio production for independent projects and, live acts including: Danny Say’s, SX Beat and Well of Souls.
• 1986-1995 Freelance Audio Engineer, Danny Says Sound and Davis Communications
  • Live and studio sound production. Commercial video and cable television.
• 1987 Photographer's Representative, Stuart Block Photography, Chicago \ New York
  • Duties: National and international client relations, art director / ad agency calls, portfolio production National Direct Mail / Black Book Advertisement.

Awards, Exhibitions and Press

• 2005 Kraft Lieberman Gallery, Chicago, IL: "Orbicular Grouping". Art Installation including 55 blown glass orbs lit with clear and color changing LED bulbs supported by turned aluminum sleeves.
• 2003 Solo Exhibition Fulton Gallery, Salisbury University, Salisbury MD: "Of Liquid and Light". Time Arts Installation including 1000 glass strands made off hand, 20 blown glass bowls filled with salt water, light projections and surround sound track.
  • Public art installation at The Galaxy Bar and Grill Ocean City MD: Installation
  • CGP Emerging Artists Scholarship Auction
  • Featured artist Design house, Ocean City Maryland: Blown glass works including: sculpture custom lighting and sinks.
• 2002 Solo Exhibition, Rosemont Collage, Rosemont PA: "Body Language explorations in blown glass" installation of 20 tri-pod series pieces.
  • Works Gallery, Philadelphia PA: Goblet show, Eye Candy goblets
  • Featured artist Design house, Ocean City Maryland: Blown glass works including: sculpture stemware custom lighting and sinks.
  • Ward Museum American Craft Show Salisbury MD: Blown glass sculpture and functional ware.
  • Grant recipient Creative Glass Philadelphia: $1000 award to help fund upcoming exhibitions 2002- 2003
  • Chesapeake surgery center, Salisbury, MD: Reflections Group show focusing on the human condition. Blown glass cut and polished
  • Chesapeake surgery center, Salisbury, MD: Reflections Group show focusing on the human condition. Blown glass cut and polished
  • Benefit for the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA: The third Annual Glass NowAuction presented donated piece of blown glass auctioned to a collector
  • Public art installation at The Galaxy Bar and Grill Ocean City MD: Installation involving 20 blown glass spacecraft, rocket ships and lighted planets suspended above mezzanine
  • WMDT Salisbury, MD: News segment Our Town Interview and demonstration glassblowing
• 2001 The Egg, a national Public television program about the arts, used footage featuring the Perceptions of Curiosities show I exhibited at Fulton hall Gallery Feb 2000 with Jen Kelting. This show was simulcast on the web and is available through their web sight.
  • Daily Times, Salisbury, MD: Feature article Postcard from Tyaskin. Full page colour spread of glasswork.
  • Visiting artist Glass workshop Oxbow, Saugatuck, MI: Invited by Jerry Catania Presented slide lecture and demonstration worked with students
  • Visiting artist Foundry workshop Oxbow, Saugatuck, MI: Invited by sculpture chair Carolyn Otmmers, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Iron Pour. Worked with students and faculty Prepared for and participated in the iron pour.
  • Juror for the 2001 Niche awards Judging contemporary craft and sculpture work from the categories of ceramics glass metals and mixed media. Criteria for judging were biased on originality, creative use of materials, and marketability.
  • Benefit for the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA.: The Second Annual Glass Now Auction presented Donated piece of blown glass auctioned to a collector
  • Art Institute & Gallery Salisbury, MD: Hot and Cool : Organize juror and criteria for the first show of art glasswork in Salisbury, MD. International glass exhibition
  • Hot Soup Philadelphia, PA: The Creative Glass Philadelphia Group Show
    Blown glass cut and polished
  • Gallery 500 Elkins Park, PA: First look: Emerging Artists in Glass
    Blown glass cut and polished on stainless steel
  • The Starr Gallery, Boston, MA: the Material History (cultural exploration in fiber and glass)
  • Silver and blown glass and mezuzahs
  • Gallery 212, Ann Arbor, MI: Guilty Pleasures Exhibition at
    Blown glass cut and polished
  • Salisbury University Faculty Exhibition, Salisbury, MD: Heart & Soul
  • Installation tentacle 50 glass threads created by dropping 50 gathers of glass from a30 ft. hydraulic lift.
• 2000 Maryland Public Television Segment:A Glass Act featured Blown glass work from The Perceptions of Curiosities show and the New Hot glass Program At Salisbury State University.
  • WBOC, Salisbury, MD: News segment Interview Perceptions of curiosities show
  • Daily Times, Salisbury, MD Featured in Artist's spotlight
  • Eastern Shore Arts Gallery, Chincoteague, VA: "Art de la Delmarva"
    Blown glass.
  • Hot Soup, Philadelphia, PA "Creative Glass Philadelphia Group Show"
    Blown glass, cut and polished.
  • Period Gallery, Omaha, NE: "Millennium International"
    Blown glass and steel sculpture.
  • 25 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA: "Perceptions - Marder"
    Blown glass and steel sculpture.
  • Globe Theater, Berlin, MD: "Under Water Show"
    Blown glass, mixed media sculpture.
  • Fulton Gallery, Salisbury State University, Salisbury, MD: "Perceptions of Curiosities"
    Solo show in collaboration with Jennifer Kelting.
    Blown glass mixed media sculpture.
• 1999 WBOC Salisbury, MD: News segment interview demonstration of the morning show on Salisbury State Glass studio
  • Virtrium Gallery, Philadelphia, PA: "Emerging Artists Show"
  • Blown glass sculptures: Follicle, Bunt and Needles.
  • Creative Artists Network, Philadelphia, PA: "Winter Group Exhibition"
  • Orbicular Grouping 4: blown glass and steel. Object a: Wood and lenses. Molecule: blown glass.
• 1998 University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Salisbury State University, Salisbury MD: "Faculty Exhibition"
  • Orbicular Grouping 3: blown glass and steel.
  • Alternate for Creative Glass Center of America Residency Millville, NJ
  • Creative Artists Network "Spring Group Exhibition"
  • Earthly Column: glass and steel.
• 1997 Affiliate: Creative Artists Network: Selected by board of directors, based on exceptional body of work. Two year association with non profit organization designed to aid outstanding artists with grants, assistantships and shows in the Philadelphia area.
  • Creative Artists Network: "Winter Group Exhibition"
  • Aquatic Column: glass, oak and electric motor.
  • Creative Artists Network: "Summer Group Exhibition"
  • Small Orbicular Grouping: 7 variable blown glass spheres. Oculus 2: glass wood and electric motor
  • Temple Gallery, Philadelphia, PA: "MFA Thesis Exhibition"
  • Orbicular Grouping: Installation with 40 blown glass spheres ranging in size from 6"to 36" in circumference by 52'. Asunder Column: blown glass column comprised of flattened orbs 3"to 6" in diameter x 10' 6" high
  • Albertian Column: installation of 10'6"x 29" triangular column made of Oak and 492 ground glass lenses.
  • Moment: 56"x 17" blown glass and motorized pedestal providing 15 RPM clockwise rotation of glass piece.
• 1996 -1997 Graduate Assistantship, Temple University Tyler Campus
  • Tuition remission and monthly stipend for 1996 - 1997 school year.
• 1995 Penrose Gallery, Temple University Tyler Campus, Elkins Park PA: "First Meeting"18 letters to Friends: installation of 16 glass vessels with etched letters; mailed after exhibition.
  • Elkins Gallery Temple University Tyler Campus: "Craft Department Graduate Show"
  • Work in Process: steel 48"x 9"
  • The School of the Art Institute of Chicago: "Bachelors of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition"
  • Liberty Leading the People: installation: life-size cast aluminum figure, chain, poly vinyl, artificial turf, wood, sequenced neon/argon, material, American flags.
• 1994 Australian National University Gallery: "Missionary Position" Solo Exhibition
  • Sperm Goblets: blown glass. Milk and Lemonade: blown glass, milk and urine. Missionary Position: life-size figure of pate de vere and forged steel. Nailed: life-size figure in pate de vere and forged steel. Totem: carved and burnt wood.
  • Study Abroad Scholarship, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
  • Tuition remission and stipend for study at Australian National University, Canberra Australia.
• 1993 The Foundry Space, RISD Providence, RI "Price of Priesthood"
  • Installation with blown glass, black poly vinyl, rope and coloured liquid 30' X 30'
  • Off Campus Programs Scholarship, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
    Tuition remission for studies at Rhode Island School of Design Fall 1993
  • Institute of Art Summer Group Show San Miguel Allende, Guanajuanto, MEX
    Ceramic flutes modeled after Pre Colombian artifacts.
    Off Campus Programs Scholarship, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago
    Tuition remission travel expenses and stipend for Mexico summer session.