Seattle-based artist Carol Milne defies expectations with her captivating sculptures. Though known for figurative works, Milne’s material choices are anything but typical. She incorporates clay, bronze, and even found objects into her creations, but one series truly stands out: her “knitted glass” pieces. Inspired by the intricate world of textiles, Milne uses glass to construct sculptures that resemble knitted forms.
Milne’s decision to use glass is far from random. In her own words, the knitted aesthetic reflects her view of social structures. Individual strands, like threads in knitting, may seem weak on their own. Yet, when woven together, they form a surprisingly strong and resilient unit. This metaphorical connection between the delicate beauty of glass and the underlying strength of community is what makes Milne’s work so intriguing.
I see my knitted work as metaphor for social structure. Individual strands are weak and brittle on their own, but deceptively strong when bound together. You can crack or break single threads without the whole structure falling apart. And even when the structure is broken, pieces remain bound together. The connections are what bring strength and integrity to the whole and what keep it intact.
Carol Milne