Robert Dane has been blowing glass for over thirty years, starting at Massachusetts College of Art in 1973. He has exhibited his sculpture widely with galleries around the country, and his work is in the permanent collections of numerous museums including the Corning Museum of Glass and the Renwick Collection of the Smithsonian Institution. Twelve years ago he and his wife Jayne opened the Dane Gallery on Nantucket where they show his work along with the work of some of the top artists in glass and ceramics.

His most recent sculpture is inspired by the folkloric tradition of Afro-Cuban percussion. The expression of the community through music and dance, it’s tradition, identity, and vision is a group effort. He finds the similarities between these traditions and those of Venetian glass very intriguing. He is also inspired by Jazz where improvisation plays a large role. Working within a structure is helpful, but breaking out and letting his intuition be the guide allows him to discover new paths.

For the last twelve years he has become more facile and fascinated with the process of glassblowing. Making functional glassware inspired by the Venetian tradition has helped to improve his skills in all aspects of his work. The discipline and focus involved has been invaluable to his growth as an artist.