Seth Fairweather is one of those rare individuals who has mastered the art and craft of multiple mediums and techniques including glass blowing, glass casting, metal work and bronze work. And it’s not uncommon to see all of these mediums and skills come together in many of his pieces.
Known for his cerebral and visually striking artworks, Seth often explores themes of the unknown, mystery and the search for truth. While he wants each viewer to have their own individual experience with his work, Seth uses composition and specific forms to suggest messages, raise questions or inspire deeper thoughts. Sometimes, these themes aren’t even fully revealed to him until he begins building a piece.
“I was just excited to do something different, but as I was building it and figuring out how to build it, there was this kind of visceral reaction to the way it was coming together visually, that it was a sense of the unknown,” he said. “It was this kind of alien presence. So, I wound up calling this whole series ‘Cthonestesia’, this combination of Cthulhu, a Lovecraftian monster that represented the unknown and synesthesia, which is kind of a cross wiring in the brain in which you interpret the senses with different senses. You’ll see sounds. You’ll smell colors.”
For Seth, working on this series evoked a tangible sensation that he said “was of a strange alien place.” And as they came together, it was clear they served as portals of sorts to different questions.
“I think they’re a series about searching for truth,” he said.
Deeply introspective, Seth seems to constantly be exploring––whether thoughts, ideas, or bold ways to mix various media or integrate technology. In fact, one of his newest pieces––appropriately called ‘Infinity’––he plays with mirrors and LED lighting to evoke a sense of mystery.
“Going back to the idea to the idea of mystery, some of these mysteries don’t get solved,” Seth said. “They’re endless. They’re mysteries for the ages that you can be looking for truth and just keep looking. And it’s something that you can’t ever really answer.”