Revive

Madeline Rile Smith

Two figures connect through their breath with hot glass bubbles. As they commune through the air in their lungs, their exhalations pop a glass membrane to open a pathway to each other's bodies. This piece examines an intimate state of connection, considering personal dynamics and transformation of body and material.

Video credit: Ethan Townsend

Rile Smith_Madeline_Headshot - Madeline Rile Smith.jpg — Madeline Rile Smith, TYL BFA ‘14
Lives and works in Philadelphia, PA.
Website: www.madhotglass.com
IG: @madhotglass
TikTok: @madhotglass

Madeline Rile Smith is an American artist working in glass. She earned an MFA in glass at Rochester Institute of Technology, and a BFA in glass from Tyler School of Art. Madeline draws upon her musical background to create glass musical instruments which explore physical connection between players. She utilizes hot glass as a performative medium to consider notions of intimacy and compromise. Madeline’s sculptural glass work has been exhibited in venues throughout the US, including Sculpture NOW 2020, and has been featured in New Glass Review 41 and 35. She has instructed glassworking in schools and institutions throughout the east coast, including UrbanGlass, Salem Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, and The Crefeld School.
Image credit: Elizabeth Lamark