Bertil Vallien

Bertil Vallien is a Swedish glass artist who was born in 1938. He is best known for his unique and highly detailed glass sculptures, which are often characterized by their mystical and otherworldly quality.
 
Vallien began his career as a ceramic artist, but later transitioned to glass, which he felt offered greater opportunities for creative expression. He began working with glass in the 1960s and quickly gained recognition for his innovative techniques and artistic vision.
 
One of Vallien's most famous techniques is "sand-casting," in which he creates molds for his glass sculptures by packing sand around a wax model. The molds are then heated and filled with molten glass, resulting in sculptures with intricate patterns and textures.
 
Vallien's sculptures often depict mythical or fantastical creatures, such as dragons, angels, and demons. They are typically rendered in a range of rich colors and feature intricate details such as feathers, scales, or horns.
 
In addition to his sculptures, Vallien is also known for his functional glassware, such as bowls and vases. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, and his pieces are featured in collections around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.