Forge Garrabrant

Columbus Dispatch article on Hawk Galleries' 'Brilliant' exhibition

Bio

Forge Garrabrant is an artist and craftsman who lives and works in Columbus, Ohio. He was born in Columbus and grew up on a farm in Galena, Ohio. He started his career working with glass at the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State and continued his education at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio, where he received his associate's degree. He eventually transferred to the Columbus College of Art and Design, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts in 2019.

Forge primarily works with glass but also works with metal, wood, rope, and found objects. His work tends to be most inspired by memories the brain holds onto, whether they be significant or insignificant, the senses attached to them, and how that information is stored and structured. His sculptures are often representing these different aspects of memory and the microscopic structures they form.

Artist Statement

I'm interested in the memories the brain holds onto, whether they be significant or insignificant, the senses attached to them, and how that information is stored and structured. I primarily create glass sculptures referencing the microscopic structures that memories form. I also use a lot of found objects, many from my childhood, which often represent different aspects of memory. My work allows me to disentangle my memories and emotions by translating them through a craft that requires a great deal of focus and attention. Growing up on a farm, Saturday morning cartoons, the smell of lilac and honeysuckle, family members passing, and heartbreak are memories that have stayed with me. These memories may feel random and confusing, but for me, they are all connected. Using physical and emotional aspects of my memories, I'm able to create abstract sculptures referencing the structures of neurons and synapses. These sculptures vary in size and color and take shape as many different biomorphic forms.

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