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I am interested in the history of science, functional objects, and discovery. New technology begins as an inquiry into a material, process, or subject. The boundary between invention, art, and imagination can be hard to distinguish. This new method of forming metal comes with questions about functionality, purpose and possibility.
Material studies, technical exploration, and aesthetic curiosity are the primary apparatus of my art practice. The objects take the forms of jewelry and scientific glassware, allowing the user to explore imagined functionalities. My art continues the human tradition of material curiosity, assigning meaning to material and adornment as a means for humans to expand who we are and what we can do.
Vitriforming is a metal forming process that takes place within a glass forming medium above the metal’s liquid temperature. My manipulation of the glass’ viscosity, temperature, and shape, in conjunction with the metal’s surface tension and gravity determine the resulting shape of each component. After exploring, refining, and defining this technique, I obtained a patent. By taking advantage of the chemical and physical properties of materials, I am able to create a new process and form language.
Bryan Kekst Brown is an artist currently working out of Philadelphia, PA. His work exists across the spectrum of functionality and is primarily composed of metal and glass. Bryan received his BFA in Sculpture & Expanded Practice from Ohio University and his MFA in Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM from Tyler School of Art. Bryan has participated in residencies at Pilchuck Glass School, Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, His work has been shown nationally and internationally and has been published in Metalsmith Magazine and New Glass Review. Currently, Bryan is continuing research into jewelry, the human relationship with material, objects, and time, and the interaction between glass and metal.