Art
It has long been part of IIM's mission to be a vibrant and active part of the art community. IIM embraces artistic expression in many forms including sculpture, special effects, photography, videos and documentaries.
Our art exhibit was a huge success at Graves Gallery in Fullerton at November & December Fullerton Art Walks.
Kevin Bellwood is a local glassblowing artist living and working in North Orange County. Kevin’s glasswork is the result of his “think outside the box” attitude and is truly beautiful and unique. Through vibrant color and flowing form, Kevin shows viewers how fire and glass create such simple beauty. He enjoys being able to create things in “free form,” the way one can with glassblowing, and he utilizes this freedom to create amazing, intricate works. His multifaceted personality has guided him as he explores all aspects of his glasswork. Kevin doesn’t just make vases and mugs, he is able to go beyond the norm and use this “lost art” to create playful and intricate pieces.
Bellwood often describes himself as “a biker with an artistic side,” who studied glassblowing at Santa Ana College in 2002 and fell in love with the process right away. Kevin has been working with glassblowing ever since, and remains focused on keeping this art form alive.
Cindy and Brian Rouze are photographers/filmmakers working in Orange County. They own a film and photo production company called Images in Motion, and have teamed up with Kevin to make a documentary about his creative process. Cindy and Brian have created a multi-media experience for the viewer in order to fully understand and appreciate the glassblowing process, not simply the finished product. They use both film and photography to show the minute, beautiful details in his glasswork. “Silica, Frit, and Cane” is their documentary about Kevin’s work, as well as his process.
As you watch the film you are able to see the sweat and work that goes into the final pieces. Mesmerized by the orange glow, you find yourself appreciating the intricacies of glasswork more than ever before. It seems that Kevin's efforts to keep this art form alive and well have worked after all.
