Carrie Iverson is presenting an installation of prints on paper and “prints in fused glass” at the Bullseye Gallery on NW 13th Ave in downtown Portland until February 16th. Fused glass? Sounds interesting, but web images are making the installation confusing.Fused glass is a technique similar to stained glass but requires a kiln firing process. Wikipediajust has a bunch of technical specs, so I refer to the actual pictures of Iverson’s work to get an understanding of the result: http://www.bullseyegallery.com/Shows-Detail.cfm?ShowsID=125.

The problem with any work of art that has dimension, texture or other physical trait that makes it unique, like fused glass does, it needs to be represented in the pictures promoting the artwork. Straight-on portrait shots leave nothing to be desired for this work. The texture of the glass makes the piece more real, especially considering reflection or roughness experienced in person. Sure, it shows that there are some unique shape considerations with the firing process (several pieces are molded in a melted manner on the bottom). But I’m not persuaded to go see it based on the promotions for the event.

Maybe I’m a little stuck up. Maybe I just want more. But think about this: I am 28 at the time of this writing, on the outside half of the 18-35 target age for most advertising. If I am not going to this event, it’s going to be left to old ladies and classrooms. Not great exposure for a professional artist.

I still suggest going, regardless of my qualms about the less-than-glamorous way the installation is marketed. Stained glass is one thing, but true fused glasswork that is done well can be awe-inspiring. Hopefully you get to fully experience it - feeling it, seeing pieces in different lighting, etc - but just the pieces themselves will make you want one in your bathroom. Find the right artist and you can probably get tiles made out of fused glass (at a higher price than ceramic, of course) or get one large tile to accent a wall.

For more info, check out Bullseye Gallery’s web site:

• Exhibit gallery: http://www.bullseyegallery.com/Shows-Detail.cfm?ShowsID=125
• Main site: http://www.bullseyegallery.com/