ABOUT
INTRODUCTION:
My name is Sean Free Alcala , a contemporary glass artist living and working in Salida, California. As a Bay Area native and nature enthusiast, I have always been deeply connected to the environment, especially the beaches, rivers and lakes of the West Coast. My primary glass aesthetic is based around the color, movement and energy of water.
As a child, I was blessed to be surrounded by a family of artists and makers, who showed me how to live a creative lifestyle. Just after graduating college, my father introduced me to kiln formed glass while working at his studio gallery in Carmel, California. Glass is the perfect medium for my curious mind because the possibilities are endless. I am constantly learning the science and tendencies of this mysterious molten material, while ever refining my cold-working skills needed to manipulate solid glass.
STATEMENT:
All life is born from and sustained by water. In many ways earth is defined by the immense blanket of water that nearly covers our entire planet. This precious natural resource has all too often been overlooked and underappreciated. As a result, we are polluting and warming our oceans at a disastrous rate. Now, climate change has threatened our bodies of water and fragile ecosystems across the world.
Today, creators have an opportunity to influence humanity by making work that promotes environmental awareness and cultivates change in behavior. My intention as a glass artist is to capture the essence of water and help others realize the urgency of protecting and preserving our ocean for future generations to come.
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With humble beginnings rooted in California's central valley, David Alan Alcala exemplifies the path of an artist. As a youth, he was drawn to the natural beauty and serenity of the ocean. He invented the art of 'Sand Tapestry' while experimenting with different colored sand inside terrariums and planter boxes. Once his newly discovered art was refined, David dedicated his life to sharing his art across the globe. Over the decades he built studios and galleries to create, demonstrate and display his works.
After spending time in San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Arizona and Hawaii, David finally decided to call Monterey Bay his home. While in Carmel, California he began kiln forming glass, and applied his sand pouring techniques to create solid glass sculptures. Though he spent many years as a prolific artist and creator, he discovered his true calling later in life as a teacher and instructor spreading his wisdom and inspiring all. David taught his glass fusing techniques to art students far and wide, throughout the United States and Europe. Sadly, David Alcala passed in 2014 but has left behind an amazing legacy based on his many contributions to the art world.
Three years ago, Fused Glass Fanactics launched the FGF Scholarship Fund in memory of beloved glass and sand artist, David Alcala. This non-profit fund is now making educational opportunities a reality for glass art enthusiasts at every level. The scholarship fund is supported by the Alcala family, the FGF admin team, and our community. Most importantly, it has awarded multiple scholarships each year since its inception.