The work in this exhibition explores narratives that interpret humoralism; a reimagining of the balance of fluids in the human body as diagnoses for mental, physical, and social imbalance and ineptitude. The unique qualities of glass’ flow and surface tension are metaphors of the flux and tensity inacted throughout the body. This work plays on the form, color, and expressive potential of glass to sardonically address and reflect on personal experiences while exploring deep, often troubling themes in joyous naiveté.
 
As an intrepid maker of high craft objects, I work through processes that often are characterized by acute attention to detail, timing, and movement. The resulting forms take a cartoonish, flat appearance, often masking the expected understanding of glass. I am often swooned by the inherent and expressive qualities of glass and neon in their ability to capture and transform light, emit or hold rich color, and be manipulated into forms that appear to be in motion. In many ways, however, I push against the ethos and traditions of those processes. The language I have found in these materials and their processes is a constant source of inspiration.
 
The imagery in my work is influenced by form and figuration. My exploration of this stems from an artistic background centered around the vessel, where the lexicon and movements are derived from anatomical features and movements. The forms I create are inspired by movement of, by, and with use in the body. Adjacent to this is the language of cartoon and emoji imagery, where reduced forms and simplified shapes give animation and context to representations of the body, and disembodied parts. The forms are activated by their relationships to pleasure, play, and gesture.
 
My approach for the making of these works is a metaphor for the content that they explore; seemingly simple, but often complicated situations that are difficult, if not, impossible to resolve with easy solutions. Reflecting personal, yet universal, experiences and situations, the works in this exhibition explore connection and its closeness to isolation, communication and its often-misleading interpretation, identity and its fluidity, or futility.
 
Michael Hernandez earned a BFA from Emporia State University (KS) and an MFA from New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University (NY). He has attended residencies and taught workshops on sculptural approaches to glassblowing, kilnforming, and neon at Pilchuck Glass School, Urban Glass, and numerous other private and public institutions around the US. Currently, Michael is Associate Professor and head of the glass program at Palomar College.