Dichroic Color, Light and Space Sculpture
by Ray Howlett

Main Floor Gallery
June 29 - September 2, 2007

The illuminated glass sculptures of Ray Howlett have to be seen to be believed. According to Howlett, his sculptures don’t translate well into photographs, which is why he takes the trouble to bring them “in person” to interested collectors and exhibitors. The reason for this lies in the nature of his chosen material, dichroic glass.

Dichroic glass is manufactured by vaporizing metal oxides in a vacuum chamber and depositing them on glass, where they form a layer only a few millionths of an inch thick. This thin layer has the ability to interfere with select frequencies of light, producing some remarkable effects. For instance, the glass can act as a filter, allowing some colors of light to pass through while refusing the other colors of the spectrum, which are reflected back towards the light source. This makes dichroic glass useful in lasers and theater lighting, since the particular mix of colors allowed to shine through can be precisely tuned during the manufacturing process. Another related property of dichroic glass is its ability to reflect different colors according to the viewing angle, just as a soap bubble on a summer’s day can appear purple, gold, or green as it floats through the air. In other words, when you move, the sculptures change color.

Despite the hi-tech nature of his materials, the effect of the exhibit is less that of a science fair than a mystical experience, as the viewer moves through a darkened room filled with rich, constantly moving colors and their infinite reflections. Howlett himself admits he doesn’t fully understand why some of his sculptures work the way they do, saying “That’s where it moves from mystery to mysticism.” This is an exhibit that will dazzle young and old alike, a brilliant light show with philosophical overtones. For a preview, check out videos of the sculptures at www.rayhowlett.com

An opening reception for Ray Howlett will be held during Gallery Night, Friday, June 29 from 7-10 pm, where Howlett will also host a special gallery talk at 8 pm in the Main Floor Gallery.