Christopher Ries (Born 1952) American, Abstract Art Glass Sculpture. Etched signature near edge, dated 5/8/1997.

Organic form art glass sculpture with thin triangular base.

Size: 9 x 2 x 4 1/2 in. 

Christopher Ries (born 1952 in Columbus, Ohio) is a pioneering American glass sculptor renowned for his monumental works crafted from optical lead crystal. After earning his BFA from Ohio State University in 1975 and his MFA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1978, Ries studied under Harvey Littleton, a founder of the American Studio Glass Movement. Departing from traditional glassblowing, he developed a unique technique of cold sculpting—cutting, grinding, and polishing large blocks of glass to create intricate, light-reflective forms. His sculptures, such as the 1,100-pound Sunflower IV, are celebrated for their optical complexity and technical precision. Ries's work is featured in major collections, including the Corning Museum of Glass and the Cleveland Museum of Art. In 2015, a fire destroyed his studio at Schott Glass Technologies, halting large-scale production; however, his private studio in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, remains operational.

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