Stephen Rolfe Powell was a celebrated glass artist and educator who taught at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, for more than 30 years. He was known for his vibrant and colorful glass vessels that incorporated murrine, a technique of fusing glass rods with patterns. He also founded the glass program at Centre College and helped make it a prominent center for glass education. He passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2019, at the age of 67. The cause of his death was a tragic accident involving a glass window pane.
The Fatal Incident
According to Courier-Journal, Powell was working in his studio on the campus of Centre College when he noticed a pigeon inside. He tried to shoo the bird away by waving his hand near a window. However, the window’s pane shattered, slicing tendons and an artery in his right hand. He was rushed to the hospital, but he could not survive the blood loss and died shortly after.
The Legacy of Powell
Powell’s death shocked and saddened the glass art world, as he was widely regarded as one of the leading artists and mentors in the field. He had exhibited and demonstrated his work in many countries, such as Russia, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. He was also vice-president of the Glass Art Society and a founding member of the Art Center of the Bluegrass.
Powell’s work was influenced by his passion for music, especially psychedelic rock from the 1960s and 1970s. He used vivid colors and organic shapes to create dynamic and expressive forms that captured the energy and rhythm of sound. He also experimented with different scales and techniques, such as his Zoomers series that featured large-scale sculptures made of multiple blown glass pieces.
Powell was also a generous and charismatic teacher who inspired many students and colleagues with his enthusiasm and creativity. He built a state-of-the-art glass studio at Centre College with the help of local industries and invited many renowned glass artists to teach and collaborate there. He also published a book about his career in 2007 titled Stephen Rolfe Powell: Glassmaker.
The Tribute to Powell
Powell’s life and work were honored by many institutions and individuals after his death. Centre College held a memorial service for him on March 23, 2019, where hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects. The Corning Museum of Glass also hosted a tribute event for him on April 6, 2019, where several glass artists spoke about his influence and legacy.
Powell’s work is still admired and collected by many museums and private collectors around the world. His sculptures are displayed in prominent venues such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Renwick Gallery, the American Craft Museum, and the Speed Art Museum. His work is also featured in several publications and documentaries about glass art.
Powell’s death was a tragic loss for the glass art community, but his spirit lives on through his remarkable creations and his lasting impact on generations of glass artists. He will be remembered as a visionary artist who pushed the boundaries of glass and a beloved teacher who shared his passion and knowledge with others.
