Taking advantage of our rotating exhibits, FWMoA staff from all departments are interacting with captivating art. With galleries full of glass, paintings, bronzes, and more, we’ve posed the challenging question, “What’s your favorite artwork currently on display?”
Katrina Pandya, FWMoA Director of Development, gives us her take on a favorite piece in the permanent collection, Blue Violet by IRDS Studios. She shares her interpretation of this glass sculpture and why it holds a special place for her among our collection.
Q: What is the first thing you noticed about this artwork? What drew you to this particular piece?
A: I was immediately captivated by the layered glass, which cast a beautiful array of blues and violets. What drew me in completely was how the sculpture seems to hold light within itself. Because the glass is cut and layered into a sharp, geometric pyramid, the depth of the color changes depending on where you stand. In some areas, it’s a deep, saturated ocean blue; in others, the light filters through to create a soft, glowing violet. It feels less like a solid object and more like captured, shifting color.
Q: Would you display this artwork in your home? Why or why not?
A: Having this piece in my home would be incredible. I would display it near a window to let the natural sunlight filter through the glass, beautifully amplifying its vibrant blues and violets.
Q: What does this artwork mean to you?
A: This glass piece represents beauty, complexity, and multidimensionality. Much like people, there is always more depth and nuance to discover beneath the surface.
Q: Why did you choose to work in an art museum?
A: An art background makes working at a museum a natural fit, allowing me to bridge the gap between creativity and strategic development. It combines an appreciation for the arts with the analytical skills required to drive a museum’s mission forward.
Q: What has been your favorite exhibition at FWMoA during your employment?
A: It’s hard to pick just one favorite because what I love most about working here is the constant rotation of the exhibits. There is an exciting, fresh energy that comes with every new show. I feel privileged to work in a space where the galleries change so frequently, we are always bringing something completely new to Fort Wayne, which keeps the environment incredibly dynamic.
To see Katrina’s favorite artwork and other studio glass pieces during your next visit to the FWMoA Glass Wing!