Lace Dress

Artist Judy Hill (American, Born 1953)

Date2001

MediumCire-perdue cast glass and raku-fired ceramic

ClassificationGlass

Credit LineGiven in honor of Thelma Hewitt Smith and Fred A. Smith and their family

Object number

2019.15

On View

Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion (2444 Monroe Street), Glass Pavilion Gallery, 2

DescriptionStanding female figure of cast glass and ceramic on small plinth. Figure is wearing short sleeve white dress that has open-work pattern to create a lace effect.

Label TextJudy Hill’s primary focus in her work is on self-portraiture, as seen in these two examples. Her autobiographical figures are similar in their resemblance to the artist but differ in their expression of moods, often communicated through clothing and posture. Each offers a personal glimpse into Hill’s life at a particular moment in time. Sour Grapes (see nearby) is one of a series of 11 figures that explores the expectations and complexities of marriage. In Lace Dress, Hill has created a seemingly serene figure, dressed in a delicate flowered lace costume. This figure especially demonstrates Hill’s extensive skill with multiple materials through the technically challenging openwork glass dress and the unusual combination of cast glass and raku-fired ceramic.