Love Bird from the Diamond Cut Series by Richard Royal

Richard Royal's Love Bird appears caught in motion. Dark glass sweeps forward into a beak-like point while a series of dramatic cuts opens the surface to reveal layers of pale blue, white, pink, and violet hidden within. Royal conceived his Diamond Cut Series as a metaphor for self-exploration. Multiple colors are layered one over another to create a vessel -- the "self" -- and a diamond saw is then used to cut through the exterior. Like the rings revealed inside a tree, those openings expose what had previously been invisible. Over time, Royal says, the series has evolved toward joy, spontaneity, and a greater integration of the inner and outer self.

Royal began at Pilchuck Glass School in 1978 and later became one of Dale Chihuly's principal assistants before establishing an internationally recognized practice of his own. PGC audiences may remember him as our 2017 Art on Fire Honorary Artist. This is Royal at his most sculptural, elegant, and exuberant.

Dimensions (in. WxHxD): 11.5" x 8" x 13"

Learn more about the artist at www.richardroyalstudio.com.

The Live Auction will take place Sep. 18 at 8pm ET. Bid live at the event, place bids online via Live Auctioneers, or submit absentee bids by contacting Heather McElwee at 412-365-2145 or heather@pittsburghglasscenter.org.