Klaus Moje: A Glass Artist And Educator Who Changed The Field

Klaus Moje (1936 – 2016) was a renowned German-born Australian glass artist and educator who was celebrated for his innovative contributions to the field. He was instrumental in establishing the Australian National University (ANU) School of Art Glass Workshop in Canberra, Australia.

Early Career and Contributions

Moje’s career in the glass industry and crafts began between 1960-61, leading to the establishment of his studio with Isbard Moje-Wohlgemuth in 1961. During 1961-65, he earned acclaim for designing stained-glass windows for churches, public buildings, and restoration projects. From 1969 to 1973, Moje represented the Arbeitsgemeinschaft des Deutschen Kunsthandwerks (Working Group of German Arts and Crafts) at the World Crafts Council and later joined its board of directors. In 1976, he co-founded Hamburg’s Galerie der Kunsthandwerker.

Academic and Teaching Pursuits

Moje’s influence extended into academia as a guest lecturer at prestigious institutions, including the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington, Kunsthandverkerskolen in Copenhagen, and Middlesex Polytechnic in London. His significant contribution was founding the glass workshop at the Canberra School of Art in 1982, where he served as the head.

Fused Glass Innovation

In the mid-1970s, Moje revolutionized glass art by cutting glass rods into wafers or strips and fusing them in a kiln. This process allowed him to create intricate, vibrant colour patterns. Despite facing challenges with material incompatibility and devitrification, Moje’s expertise in glass cutting enabled him to refine his techniques and produce stunning works.

Pilchuck Glass School and Bullseye Glass Collaboration

In 1979, Moje was a guest lecturer at the Pilchuck Glass School, where he discussed his fused glass techniques and expressed concerns about the future availability of specific glass rods. His lectures inspired Bullseye Glass founders Boyce Lundstrom and Dan Schwoerer, who later collaborated with Moje to develop glass specifically for fusing.

The Portland Panels

Bruce Guenther, chief curator at the Portland Art Museum, commissioned Moje for a significant piece, creating the “Portland Panels,” or “Choreographed Geometry.” This masterpiece, composed of thousands of hand-cut glass strips, became a highlight of Moje’s 2009 retrospective at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. The Portland Panels were eventually acquired by the Corning Museum of Glass in 2015.

Moje’s legacy continues to inspire glass artists and enthusiasts worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the world of glass art.

Sources

Byars, M., & Riley, T. (2004). The design encyclopedia. Laurence King Publishing. https://amzn.to/3ElmSlL

Wikipedia contributors. (2021, October 28). Klaus Moje. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:24, December 2, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Klaus_Moje&oldid=1052321391

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