Math Meets Art

Demaine Father-Son Duo to Collaborate with Shandra McLane on a New Experiment in the Hot Shop, November 12 -16

Tacoma, Wash. — Super-team Dr. Erik Demaine, Martin Demaine and Shandra McLane will complete their collaborative Visiting Artist Residency at Museum of Glass from Wednesday, November 12, to Sunday, November 16. Assisted by the Hot Shop Team, they will be experimenting with new techniques that blend together printmaking and glassblowing.

The Demaine duo are well-known in their respected fields at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Martin Demaine, who has multiple roles at MIT, from Resident Artist to Technical Instructor at the Glass Lab, originally began glassblowing in New Brunswick in the 1970’s. He was quickly cemented by his peers as the Father of Canadian Glass after opening the first private glassblowing studio in Canada. His son, Dr. Erik Demaine, Professor in Computer Science at MIT, is an algorithm master who received a MacArthur Fellowship award for his research in the field. Their shared interest in the connection between mathematics and art shines through their pieces. The Demaines have permanent displays at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and in museums around Canada.

Shandra McLane learned the art of glassblowing at the renowned Pilchuck Glass School, where she served as Print Shop Coordinator for 18 years. An alumna from the Plymouth State University, McLane earned a M.Ed. in Integrated Arts Education and continues to be an Adjunct Professor at the university for foundational art courses. McLane continually shows her expertise in the field and completed her education in glass by attending the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Glass Extension Program.

Together they will explore the possibilities of printmaking, hot glass and origami. The final day of their residency will include a Hot Shop Live! talk by the Demaines and McLane in the Hot Shop from 1 to 2 pm. “Their dynamic collaboration will be jam-packed with humor, intelligence and transperancy that will break down the walls between the audience and artist,” says Susan Warner, Executive Director of Museum of Glass. The lecture will broadcast online at museumofglass.org/glassmaking/live-from-the-hot-shop.

Imaage: Demaine, Erik; Through the Looking Glass II, 2012; Elephant hide paper and hand-blown glass; 6” x 6” x 12”; Courtesy of the artist.