Michael Sabin, an artist deeply rooted in upstate New York, has a story as reflective and multifaceted as the glass he has worked with for decades. Born and raised in a small town, Sabin’s upbringing in the Finger Lakes region—an area known as Mark Twain Country—greatly influenced his artistic journey.
From an early age, Sabin was drawn to the arts. However, it wasn’t until he began working in the Crystal City of Corning, NY, at 23 years old that his fascination with glass truly developed. Starting in the glass factories of Corning, Sabin found himself captivated by the unique properties of glass—its reflectiveness, transparency, and the transformative qualities that have intrigued artists and craftsmen for centuries. This fascination has persisted throughout his life, and to this day, Sabin continues to work in the glass factories of Corning.
While glass has been a significant part of Sabin’s life, his passion for painting has been equally important. From childhood, Sabin nurtured a love for creating art, eventually mastering the use of oil and pastel as his primary mediums. Whether working on canvas or stained glass panels, Sabin’s art explores the delicate interplay of light, color, and texture, much like the glass that first captured his imagination.
One of Sabin’s artworks features a fish on a plate, accompanied by a lemon beside it. The motif in the background adds depth to the composition. The painting, though simple in subject matter, is rich in detail. The fish, with its shimmering scales, appears almost lifelike, as if it might leap from the plate at any moment. The lemon’s bright yellow hue offers a vibrant contrast to the cooler tones of the fish, drawing the viewer’s eye. The rose, with its soft petals and deep red color, adds a touch of elegance and romance to the scene. The motif in the background, though subtle, ties the entire composition together, providing a sense of place and context.
Sabin’s art reflects his life and experiences. The use of glass, both as a medium and as a source of inspiration, speaks to his enduring connection to Corning and its storied history in glassmaking. His choice of oil and pastel, on the other hand, highlights his desire to capture the beauty and complexity of the world around him. Through his art, Sabin invites viewers to see the world through his eyes, to appreciate the play of light and shadow, and to find beauty in the everyday.
In a world that often values speed and instant gratification, Sabin’s work stands as a reminder of the importance of reflection, both literal and metaphorical. His paintings encourage us to pause, to look closely, and to discover the beauty that lies beneath the surface. Whether it’s the gleam of glass, the softness of a rose petal, or the vibrant color of a lemon, Sabin’s art reminds us that beauty is all around us, waiting to be noticed.
Today, Michael Sabin continues to create, drawing inspiration from his experiences in both the glass factories and the art studio. His work is a unique blend of the industrial and the artistic, the reflective and the expressive. Each piece offers a glimpse into his world—a world where glass and paint come together to create something truly beautiful.
