A playlist for a funky little slug

Hello everyone! I am back this week with another show, this time inspired by a sculptural piece in the Tacoma Art Museum’s collection.  

My name is Maddy Brennan, and I am an intern in the Development department at Tacoma Art Museum this summer. I have had the incredible opportunity to reflect on some of the pieces in the museum’s collection through music, a concept I borrowed from my college radio show at the University of Puget Sound, called ‘Up for Interpretation’.  

This week’s piece is entitled ‘Chinese Slug Vessel’, and was made in 1983, possibly as a collaboration between two artists – Thomas S. Buechner and William Morris. Buechner was an artist, exhibition designer, and glass art activist who championed institutional and academic conversations about glass. Primarily a painter, Buechner created portrait, landscape, and still life pieces and exhibited in one-man exhibitions until he died in 2010.  

Morris is an American glass artist who developed a unique style of glass blowing for over 25 years working in the Pilchuck Glass School before starting his studio. At the Pilchuck Glass School, Morris worked with Dale Chihuly and became his chief gaffer in the 1980s. Before he retired in 2007, he drew inspiration from ancient cultures around the world and the way they admired their lands.  

When looking at this piece, my first thoughts immediately went to the slug – its shape and presence drew me in. This led to my question and interpretation: what would a funky little slug listen to? This is, of course, very subjective, I wish I could ask the slug its personal music preferences, but I unfortunately cannot, so I made some guesses.  

I absolutely loved trying to figure out what this little guy would prefer, I hope you enjoy my choices. And of course, these are my choices, I encourage you to imagine what you think the slug would listen to. (My personal favorite when I asked my friends was ‘I’m Like a Bird’, so it can truly go any direction). 

Check out the playlist here>>