Cali
Balles 
I
am fascinated by form. The repeating patterns found in natural forms and
in city structures intrigue me, and influence my work. Using photography
as a research tool, I document and study these forms at close range. I
later attempt to evoke these functional forms in glass; branches, fronds
and tendrils become a vocabulary for composition. By working in clear
glass, avoiding the use of colour, and utilizing a range of surface textures,
the focus on form and structure predominates. By combining various glass
techniques such as blown forms, that are lifelike and fluid, with mould
blown forms, that are more controlled and rigid, I attempt to illustrate
the details of my environment.
Cali Balles
was born in Toronto, Ontario. She is a graduate of the Material Art and
Design program at Ontario College of Art and Design, and studied glass
at Sheridan College of Crafts and Design. Cali lives in downtown Toronto,
and is a resident glass artist at the Living Arts Centre. She produces
sculptural glass objects, functional glass, commissioned work, and teaches
glass blowing workshops.