Piano with a touch of glass to take centre stage at Stourbridge festival
Artist Kārlis Bogustovs is bringing a touch of glass to the musical world as he bangs out a tune one of his one-of-a-kind piano.
His crystal-clear creation was painstakingly made from old window panes and will be one of the highlights at this year's International Festival of Glass in Stourbridge.
The Latvian-born skateboarder, who has been makes waves in the art world thanks to the sparkly instrument, is even inviting visitors to have a go at playing a song.
The masterpiece, which has been previously displayed in Canary Wharf in London in 2015, involved more than four months of work cutting the glass into pieces and gluing each layer together."
WATCH the piano in action at Canary Wharf:
Speaking about his work, he has said: "Music is one of the greatest sources of inspiration for me. Piano music especially, has such great strength.
"I try to make beautiful things, with care and patience, because from my point of view, patience is something we lack these days. My goal is to slow down a person in a rush and give them a sense of wonder," he added.
Kārlis, who graduated in glass art in Art Academy of Latvia, is also a keen skateboarder and uses his skills to make glass ramps to help him perform his tricks.
He describes skateboarding as being 'alive and elusive like glass', adding: "Skateboarders riding through the glass creates an intense image for the viewer, but the glass shape, shining in the rays of light, recalls its unfathomable beauty, fragility and strength at the same time."
Festival director Janine Christley said: "We are really excited to have Kārlis at this year's festival. He will be making one of his glass skateboard ramps and giving demonstrations throughout the weekend."
From live music to circus performers, there is a feast of other entertainment at the festival which runs from August 25 to 28.
The Red House Glass Cone is dusting off its red carpet in preparation for the world premier event of Andy Garbi’s Vitrescence: Becoming Glass.
The multi award-winning sound artist, singer and composer and he has worked with the cone’s resident glass artist Charlotte Hughes-Martin to develop glass instruments for the piece.
Andy, who is originally from Wolverhampton, has also collaborated with Brierley Hill-based engineer Steve Snaith to create hybrid post-horns.
His audio-visual event will celebrate and explore the nature of glass by using these glass instruments designed to react with the unique acoustics of the 100ft high18th century glass cone chimney.
The performance art is taking place at 8.30pm on August 26 at the Red House Glass Cone and costs £10 per ticket, including a glass of wine.
Known for their daring feats, acrobatics, dancing, and illusions, Circus Raj are described as the perfect entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
They will be thrilling the audience at Glasshouse Art College at 7pm on August 28. A mini film festival, featuring movies old and new from around the world with glass as the constant theme will take place the Ruskin Glass Centre throughout the event from August 25 to 28.
There will also be jazz at the Rose and Crown from 9pm on August 25.
While The Crick Crack Club will be bringing their performance storytelling to the Ruskin Glass Centre at 7.30pm on August 27.
The following day, at the same venue, will be a performance, exploring the unique sounds of glassmaking, through poetry and music called Fusion and Fluidity at 2.30pm.
For the full programme see www.rmlt.org.uk/international-festival-of-glass
