SAGA ARPINO
SAGA ARPINO
The Light of the World (2007)
Bronze and glass, 2.5m high
Church Mission Society, Oxford
'In 2010 Saga Arpino was given two books that she understands had been rescued from a library fire by her great-great-grandfather. Since the books were written in Latin and Greek they were impenetrable to her, yet with their leather bindings, typefaces, decorative plates and hand written annotations the books were intrinsically appealing. This body of work is inspired by one of these books: an edition of the works of Homer, published in Strassburg in 1572. It is in two volumes, the first containing the Iliad and the second the Odyssey. The edition and notes are by Hubertus Giphanius (or Hubert Giffen), who was Professor of Logic and Ethics at the University of Strassburg from 1570 until 1583 and was responsible for a number of editions of Greek and Latin classical texts. Arpino has produced a series of block wooden pieces drawing inspiration from the qualities of the physical book.'
Saga Arpino graduated with first class honours in Architectural Glass from the Edinburgh College of Art, where she also won a Helen A. Rose Bequest Award for Distinguished Work and — following a year of work-placements and travel funded by a Worshipful Company of Glaziers' Award for Excellence — she then undertook an MA in Ceramics and Glass at the Royal College of Art. Arpino characterises herself as a 'three-dimensional artist specialised in the creative use of glass in architectural contexts', who 'develops pieces that work with and enhance the architectural setting whilst providing relevant, distinctive metaphor [and who] continues to draw and explore mark making, producing prints and etched pieces for exhibition; recently these have included work on slate, marble, glass and wood'. She has undertaken commissions for a wide range of clients, including private individuals, charities, healthcare organisations, religious institutions, and private sector companies.
For further information about her work and online portfolios, see Arpino's website: www.sagasstudio.net.
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