Willsea / O’Brien is the collaborative work of
husband and wife team Paul Willsea and Carol O’Brien,
who work in tandem creating a series of hand-blown glass
vases, bowls and sculptural forms. The work reflects their
interest in architecture, the effects of time, and the
glass itself.
They blow and form each piece individually; primarily from
glass they have formulated and made themselves. The pyramid
bases are formed in a mold, then joined hot to either bowls
or vases, which have been formed and shaped freely, without
molds.
Willsea earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in World History
from Alfred University and has pursued further studies in
Glass at the renowned Pilchuck Glass Center in Washington
State. Prior to establishing his own studio in 1981, he
apprenticed with master glass artists Ira Sapir and Randy
Strong. O’Brien received her Bachelor of Arts degree,
with honors in Art, from Hamilton College.
Their works have been shown at major galleries, museums and
juried exhibitions throughout the United States, including
the California Crafts Museum, San Francisco. Among the many
corporate collections in which their work is represented
are those of Hyatt Regency Hotels, Kawasaki, Dean Witter
Reynolds Corporation, and Citibank.
