Artist Statement
Glass, in its molten state, is pure movement – fluid, luminous, and alive. My work is inspired by the beauty and rhythm of the sea: the sway of kelp and the endless motion of waves. Through blown glass, I capture that fleeting energy and transform it into sculptural forms that feel organic and weightless. I’m drawn to fluid curves, bold color, and surfaces that interact with light, allowing each piece to shift and shimmer like sunlight through water. The process itself is a dance between control and surrender – guiding the glass while embracing its natural flow. Each sculpture is a celebration of movement, balance, and the living spirit of the ocean – frozen in time, yet always alive.
Artist Bio
Meet glass artist Cody Nicely. Primarily drawing inspiration from aquatic life, Nicely’s sculptures capture the unique elegance and beauty found below the water’s surface. While his focus is primarily on hyper-realistic recreations, his passion and creativity can also be seen through his abstract works. Originally from the Midwest, Cody found his calling for glass at the age of thirteen in Murano, Italy. Here he had his first glass-blowing lesson, which inspired him to pursue a career in the arts. He attended Wittenberg University with the intention of studying Marine Biology, when he found a small glass program at the nearby Springfield Museum of Art. Taking to the medium quickly, Nicely approached the faculty at Wittenberg and received support to create the first-ever glassblowing major within the college. Throughout his career, Cody’s work has been featured in many prestigious auctions and galleries, including the Pilchuck auction, the Tacoma Museum of Glass Red Hot auction, and the Festival of Arts. He is the recipient of several awards, including the NICHE award from the American Craft Council.