-Piggy Bank- still bank c. 20th century

This still bank in the shape of a pig was made of glass by an anonymous artist, and I just love the way the light bounces off it. You know, artmaking is a process, and glassmaking is no exception. The material aspects of this work are striking. The glass has a unique texture and surface, almost like the skin of an animal, contributing to its tangible appeal. The way the light moves through the glass, reflecting and refracting, gives it a life of its own. Look at the curly tail in particular. It gives the whole piece a sense of movement, doesn't it? It reminds me a little of some of Jeff Koons’ shiny sculptures, in the way it embraces both kitsch and fine art. But the anonymous maker of this piggy bank was part of a much wider conversation about art and commerce and reminds us that there are no fixed meanings in art, only open-ended interpretations.