Chris Ross, a Pittsburgh native, began developing his skills as a glass artist at the age of 15. Throughout high school, he took classes at the Pittsburgh Glass Center, learning various processes in glass craft and fine art. Chris then attended the Cleveland Institute of Art where he developed his own style and aesthetic in his artwork. After receiving his BFA, Chris worked with esteemed Pittsburgh and New York glass artists in making production items for various product lines, such as one-of-a-kind design works, lighting and sculpture. Chris is currently developing his own product design portfolio through arts programs with the greater goal of using modern design to give back to the community where he grew up on the south side of Pittsburgh. Artist Statement Color in 3D is a marvel in glass blowing. As a designer, Ross’ vessels capture the hidden alchemy of longtime practices and glassblowing methods, utilized in a modern fashion. With color being the intuitive response, form and aesthetic come from the natural physics of the glass. The compositions come from the physical property of glass cutting the color in a symbiotic response through the expansion and physicality of the color through material. This harmonious fusion of color and material properties showcases the mastery of the glassblower’s craft while partaking in the beauty of 3D color in glass.