"Shane Fero's exquisite works of art are the products of an ever-inquisitive mind and imagination influenced by nature, anthropology, astrology, and Surrealism. Shane has been a flameworker for over 40 years and has his home and studio at Penland. Shane's work is sought out and treasured by collectors, and his unique objects can be found in numerous private and museum collections worldwide.

"Shane's contribution to this year's auction, Sky-Cloud-Bird Vessel is instantly identifiable as one of his classic works of art. The amazing use of color, the intricate white perch on which the bird has landed, and of course the feather light bird form that Shane is famous for all showcase the skill of one of the world's best known glass artists. Viewing this piece, one can easily picture a beautiful blue Carolina sky, puffy white clouds, and a lone bird making its appearance, then gently coming to rest for the entire world to see.

Sky-Cloud-Bird Vessel, blown and flameworked glass, sandblasted and acid-etched.  18 x 8 x 8 inches; *Bottle gaffed by Pablo Soto.

"Over his long career, Shane has had more than 20 solo exhibitions and participated in over 400 group exhibitions. He has been honored with three retrospective shows and his work can be found in many private collections and museums worldwide, including the Museum of Art & Design in NYC, the GlasMuseum in Denmark, the Museum fur Glaskunst in Germany, and the Niijima Contemporary Glass Museum in Japan. Shane is also an educator and has taught at Penland many times, and at numerous other institutions including the Corning Museum of Glass, Pilchuck Glass School, and schools in Germany, the UK, Italy, Australia, and Japan. He is a past president of the Board of Directors of the Glass Art Society.  

"Shane Fero's glass birds are lighter than a feather, with exquisite colors, and reflect Shane's encyclopedic knowledge of birds and wildlife, particularly those native to the area near his Penland home. And the bird in Sky-Cloud-Bird Vessel is truly an artistic masterpiece. Whether a spirit vessel, a lovely bird, or a story-telling wall piece, all of Shane's work exhibits an extraordinary level of skill that places him squarely in the top echelon of flameworked glass artists in the world.

"Sky-Cloud-Bird Vessel will be a perfect addition to any fine craft lover's collection. "