[Image above] Maple leaf-shaped syrup bottles are just one of the many ways leaves inspire glasswork design. Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
I have always enjoyed the vibrant color of fall foliage, but I never realized the revenue this natural wonder can generate until my master’s studies in Canada. Come mid-September, hundreds of tourists came pouring into Sudbury for a chance to witness the changing leaves, with some traveling all the way from East Asia to experience the autumnal transformation.
These so-called “leaf peepers” can contribute substantial amounts to local economies—a conservative analysis by Appalachian State University researchers estimated that foliage tourism contributed more than $30 billion across 24 eastern states. The revenue arrives within a very targeted frame, however, as peak foliage tends to last only a few days in each area.
Antique pressed glass sugar bowl with embossed Art Nouveau design. Credit: Sastom007, Shutterstock
Even though there is limited time to enjoy fall’s colors in person, just like with glass pumpkins, glass leaves offer a way to keep a piece of autumn magic alive all year round.
Leaves have played a role in several art movements over the last century. The Art Nouveau movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries took inspiration from the unruly aspects of the natural world, incorporating flowing forms and “whiplash” lines. Leaf motifs were stylized and incorporated into the glassware’s forms during this period.
During the Mid-Century Modern period, designs were characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and the use of natural materials. Leaf motifs became especially popular in the 1950s and 1960s, with the silver and gold leaf-patterned glassware produced by Libbey Glass Company being a good example.
Credit: Replacements Ltd., YouTube
U.S. artist and entrepreneur Dale Chihuly has also made use of leaf motifs. His Venetians collection, developed in the 1990s following a trip to Venice, put a unique twist on the Art Deco Style (1920s–1930s) by including flamboyant attachments such as snaky handles and twisted ribbons on the classical vessels. The glass piece pictured at this link demonstrates the realistic leaves that he incorporated into some of the designs.
As the examples above show, the use of leaf motifs within glasswork has evolved from simple 2D patterns to lifelike 3D forms. When it comes to the latter category, epiphany studios in Pontiac, Mich., excels at creating glass leaves for the average consumer.
This state-of-the-art hot glass studio and gallery is owned and operated by glass artist April Wagner. She initially focused on ceramics in high school, but she developed a passion for glassblowing in college, according to the epiphany studios website.
epiphany studios offers two collections inspired by leaves: Magical Maple Leaves and Luminous Leaves for the Garden. The video below shows the process of creating the leaves in the latter collection.
Credit: epiphany studios, YouTube
Of course, as popular as leaf peeping is in the U.S., Canada remains the champion of foliage imagery—the maple leaf has held its privileged position on the National Flag of Canada since February 1965. This iconic symbol also inspired the design of several mid-century glassware pieces by Canadian companies, including a glass maple leaf given to foreign diplomats and trade ambassadors as gifts during the 1967 International and Universal Exposition.
As you make plans to enjoy this year’s fall colors, take time to explore the many glass leaf options—that way you can keep a little piece of autumn magic at home even once peak foliage is over.
