Peter Bremers, known for his blown graal works as well as his kiln-casting sculptures is one of Holland’s most internationally acclaimed glass artists with just this year having solo exhibitions at the MAVA glass museum of Madrid, the Glasmuseet Ebeltoft and together with Michael Behrens at Museum Alter Hof Herding in Coesfeld- Lette.

In many non-Western cultures it is customary to perform small daily rituals to pay homage to nature, ensure good harvests, propitiate the weather gods, pacify the ocean or give thanks to Mother Earth through music and dance. In the Western world, it would appear that our sense of intimacy with nature and wonder at its beauty is being submerged amid mounting anxiety about global warming and the dramatic impact of possible future climate change. We see the natural world as something separate from ourselves, exploit its gifts without restraint for economic gain, and by doing so turn it from an age-old friend into a hostile force. We show little trace of gratitude and seem to forget that we are ourselves merely part of nature.

I can only say that, for me, the overwhelming emotion I felt when a mother whale with her calf swam alongside our boat and looked me long and hard in the eye was a life-changing experience. As was my sense of insignificance in the face of the savage energy of the oceans and of delight at the sight of yet another majestic sunrise over a flawless snow-covered landscape.

How can I express my gratitude for this inexhaustible source of inspiration other than by trying to depict the awesome power and majesty of nature in my sculpture? Not aiming to imitate or equal it, but simply to express my sense of wonder as a human being and an artist.