Created Only From Layered Glass These Amazing Sculptures Show Us The Beauty Of The Ocean And A Special Bond People Have With Nature
Self-taught artist and sculptor, Mel Robbins, has been creating breathtaking glass sculptures for over ten years, and his art is simply stunning.
Some artists turn everyday materials into something unforgettable, and this New Zealand sculptor does exactly that with glass, concrete, and a deep connection to the sea. His layered works capture the movement, light, and texture of the ocean in a way that feels almost alive.
Raised in Waihi Beach and working as a boat builder and surfer, he draws heavily from nature when shaping each piece. Every sculpture is handmade, from the first sketch to the final cut, which gives the finished work a striking sense of detail and patience.
That careful process is what makes these ocean-inspired creations stand out. Read on.
Most of his sculptures are inspired by seascapes.
InstagramThis 3D form is achieved using multiple pieces of glass aligned one over the other.
InstagramA seabed looks just like the real one.
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Little bronze figures provide a finishing detail to his sculptures.
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When you look at his sculptures, you feel as if the beauty of the oceans has been captured at just the right moment.
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That ocean theme runs through nearly every piece.
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He makes plans for sculpting by himself, surrounded and inspired by nature.
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He creates hand-drawn sketches using different templates.
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He begins sculptures in 2D form, but through further sculpting, they become marvelous 3D pieces.
Ben says,
"I work with 2D shapes and have to figure out how to translate that into a 3D finished piece. Sometimes my starting point changes dramatically as I have to find a way to layer the glass to create certain shapes."
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The process is as detailed as the finished art.
He cuts layers of glass with a hand tool.
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The light and layered glass... Can you even imagine its true beauty?
He explains,
"Lighting plays a large part in the presentation of my pieces. When lit from beneath, the light reflects and gives off the illusion of the piece being brought to life. I hope viewers might imagine the work as something 'living' that creates the illusion of space, movement, depth, and a sense of spatial being. I like to play with the irony between the glass being a solid material and how I can form such natural and organic shapes."
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You can commission a piece of this amazing art for yourself if you like.
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The final detail that revives his breathtaking work is light. Light is the finishing touch that ties everything together and completes the whole picture.
Young’s sculptural works are captivating as he combines concrete and glass to create his masterpieces. His artwork represents the unique relationship humans have with their natural surroundings. This outstanding artist has exhibited both internationally and in Australia. If you are interested in seeing more of his work from the comfort of your home, you can visit his professional website.
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