0:47 Heavenly Dance From Liuli China Museum
中 | EN
“Heavenly Dance” is a mystery. We can only wonder how Bonte managed to shape the glass in such a way. Shimmering silver, the simplicity of its solid colour seizes the attention of the viewer. The scratches or “flaws” inspire an enthrallment that a smooth, mirrored exterior could not. As celebrated American writer, Edgar Allan Poe wrote, “There is no exquisite beauty… without some strangeness”. The folds of Bonte’s figure catch the light just so, as to appear that the glass is still rippling with movement like veils upon the wind, she dances to a music only she can hear.
I cannot understand war.
The ability of man to invent ways
to kill his neighbour is totally foreign to me
and remains incomprehensible to me.
Eric Bonte
Blowed in the Wind,Though the name is inspired by the Bob Dylan classic, Bonte deliberately shied away from using the exact name. Its stunning figure is characterized by its utter clarity. Seldom does one see glass art this clear and pure. However, similar to “Heavenly Dance”, Bonte deliberately mars the surface of an otherwise, objectively perfect working; its markings tell a far more intricate story than a clear pane of glass would. The song was adopted originally as symbol of the civil rights movement in America before it became synonymous with anti-war protests during the 60s. Bonte says that although time passes and some experiences prove otherwise, he is determined to still believe that the world is beautiful and human nature inherently good.
I seek to celebrate life,
to express an emotion, to represent beauty
Eric Bonte
Sun Dance shows the female form rising in dance. Arms raised, body in motion, she is in the prime of her life. Yet, Bonte limits her dance by framing the piece in a thick, dark frame. Youth has suddenly lost its color. Limitation, as shown in Fragmented Spirit, shatters the soul. Bonte chooses very astute sections to crack.
Nevertheless, there is room to rejoice; there is a gold lining. While “Sundance” is simply etched, the lady in “Fragmented Spirit” is outlined in gold, as if to say, “Pay attention to her; do not dismiss her. Though she is broken, she is beautiful”. Even among the ruins, she will raise her head in dance. Bonte’s work recognizes one’s determination to survive and the intrinsic value of every single life.
