Lene Bødker — The Well
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
The Well by Danish sculptor and artist Lene Bødker presents a bottomless, cast glass form embossed with rose formations across its exterior. Referencing mythical narratives of the well as a symbol of purification and transformation, and the rose, representing perfection and enlightenment – two powerful symbols are combined within a translucent form. The Well was created through time intensive, hands-on form making, first in clay and later cire perdue – the lost wax technique, before being kiln fired to create a solid cast glass form. Conceptual references to transformation are highlighted by the chemical make-up of the cast glass, with its mineral composition providing The Well with the ability to change colour – from pink to green, depending on the light source under which it is illuminated.
PROJECT QUOTE:
“It was the mythical narrative and the spiritual approach that served as the underlying foundation and driving force that captured my interest. For medieval alchemists, the well was a profound symbol of purification, hidden knowledge, and the transformation of the soul.”
Material and dimensions:
Cast Glass.
34 x 47 x 47cm.
Year:
2026
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Benjamin Lund
LONG DESCRIPTION:
The Well continues Lene Bødker’s explorations into the manifestation of the human condition and spirituality through her artistic practice. While past works touch on the human form and its connection to the natural world, The Well speaks on notions of death and re-birth through its references to mythology and alchemy. Inspired by the drawings and writings of alchemists throughout the middle ages, alongside prominent public wells seen throughout her travels in Rome – Bødker approached the creation of The Well as a symbol of rising internal waters; leaving its sculptural form without a base to emphasise our connection to the deep, infinite earth below. These same alchemists viewed the rose as a purifier for both humans and metals, a symbol of perfection and enlightenment, seen here pressed into the exterior of the final cast glass form. Bødker has further explored notions of transformation through the material composition used to create the molten glass melted into her lost wax moulds. Oxides, including uranium, provide The Well with the unique ability to change colour under alternating light sources. What appears yellow in natural light shifts to green under fluorescent light, changing again to warm pink hues under halogens. The illusionary ability of The Well to change appearance highlights Bødker’s conceptual link to the ancient alchemists that inspired its process and form.
DESIGNER BIO:
Lene Bødker.
Artist, born 1958.
Mixing conceptual links to philosophy and biology with rigorous and detailed craft and manufacturing techniques, the work of glass artist Lene Bødker explores the unique liveliness of her chosen medium and its inherent connection to nature through her collectible and commissioned objects. Her use of cire perdue (lost wax) technique first mastered by bronze casters centuries ago allows her final forms to translate the fluidity of molten glass once cooled. Working between her workshop in Roskilde and studio on Sjællands Odde, her time-consuming practice consists of modelling in clay, wax and plaster casting, before hot glass fills the empty mould – surface finishing completed by hand with hammer and chisel. The laborious nature of her process contributes to a contemplative approach to her craft – with Bødker incorporating meditation at the start of each project to create a sense of calm and presence within her workshop. Combining a strong sensuality within her work through the fusion of natural forms and colours with tactile surface treatments, her work also approaches the spiritual – constantly connecting and questioning our position within nature.
EDUCATION:
1992: Design, The Danish Design School, Copenhagen, Denmark.
GRANTS & HONOURS:
2024: Honourable Award, Ole Haslunds Kunstnerfond, Denmark.
2012: Lifetime Grant, The Danish Arts Foundation, Denmark.
2011: Inga and Ejvind Kold Christensens Award, Denmark.
2011: The Anne Marie Telmanyi Award, Denmark.
2007: Grand Prize, The International Exhibition of Glass Kanazawa, Japan.
2001: Honourable Award, Hempels Glaspris, Denmark.
1999: Honourable Award, Ole Haslunds Kunstnerfond, Denmark.
1996: Three Year Working Grant, The Danish Arts Foundation, Denmark.
1994: Honourable Award, Yutta Cuny-Franz Foundation, Germany.
EXHIBITIONS:
2025: Group Exhibition. Efterår/Autumn, Format, Oslo, Norway.
2023: Group Exhibition, Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, The Noguchi Museum, New York, USA.
2022: Solo Exhibition, Glasmuseum Ebeltoft, Denmark.
2017: Solo Exhibition, Galerie Maria Lund, Paris, France.
2016: Solo Exhibition, Maison Louis Carré, Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, France.
2005: Solo Exhibition, Politiken Gallery, Copenhagen, Denmark.
COMMISSIONS:
2015: Alssundgymnasiet, Sønderborg, Denmark.
2014: Osterhåb Church, Horsens, Denmark.
2013: Statkraft, Oslo, Norway.
2004: Police Headquarters, Randers, Denmark.
2002: Federation of Danish Trade Unions, FH, Copenhagen, Denmark.
COLLECTIONS:
Design Museum Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Glasmuseum Hentrich at Museum Kunst Palast, Düsseldorf, Germany. Holstebro
Kunstmuseum, Holstebro, Denmark.
Designcenter Ishigawa, Kanazawa, Japan.
Victoria & Albert Museum, London, United Kingdom.
Glasmuseum Lette, Alter Hof Herding, Coesfeld, Germany,
Musée des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, France.
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