AACG - Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass

Hayden Wilson

Artist Statement:

The Fall of the Monarch series attempts to delve into the intricate interplay between themes of beauty, ecological collapse, and our desire for control and power. The butterfly wing serves as a metaphorical vessel, encapsulating the fragility of nature's beauty and the simultaneous vulnerability of ecological systems. Much like the endangered monarch butterfly, whose decline mirrors the broader environmental crisis we face, the glass wing becomes a poignant emblem of the fleeting splendor that teeters on the precipice of disappearance. Drawing inspiration from the classic myth of the Fall of Icarus, I allude to themes of ambition and recklessness. The butterfly, soaring gracefully, evokes Icarus' ascent towards the sun—a mesmerizing spectacle that ultimately leads to a tragic downfall. The fragility of the glass wing becomes a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked human ambition, echoing the timeless cautionary tale. Simultaneously, the symbolism of monarchy introduces a layer of societal reflection. The monarch butterfly, a regal figure in the natural world, becomes entwined with the idea of authority and the precarious nature of power. The Fall of the Monarch, in both the natural and metaphorical realms, draws parallels between the vulnerability of ecosystems and the fragility of political structures. As viewers engage with these objects, I invite them to contemplate the intricate dance between beauty and peril, drawing connections between the delicate glass wing, the ecological collapse of the monarch butterfly, the cautionary myth of Icarus, and the symbolic demise of monarchies. In this exploration, I seek to create a space for reflection on our collective responsibility to preserve the delicate balance of nature and societal structures before they, too, become relics of a bygone era.

About Hayden Wilson

Hayden Wilson grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina. As a second generation glass artist, he has been around glass his entire life but didn’t focus on the material as a profession until after he graduated from UNC-Asheville with a BFA in sculpture.  

Throughout his career he has played a dynamic role in the growth and support of the glass community in Western North Carolina. Hayden helped start and operate the Asheville Glass Center working for nine years as the studio manager and then studio director when it changed to the North Carolina Glass Center.  

Hayden’s work is represented across the country in galleries and museums, including several galleries in his home state of North Carolina. With his vast knowledge of glass, he also often works with clients to create custom glass and lighting for their spaces.

Currently Hayden owns and operates a private glass studio in Asheville, North Carolina where he creates his work, which varies from utilitarian designs and decorative vessels to one-of-a kind-sculptures.

Acknowledgment of Gallery:
We are grateful to Maxwell Gallery, Nashville, Tennessee, for providing the Artist of the Month.