Glass beauty: The amazing, fantastic world of Loring Cornish

Being in a holding position in Baltimore can have its benefits. I decided rather than mope about my 95 yr. old bungalow not selling yet again, to continue taking advantage of life-interruptus, and hunt for more neglected beauty. Time flies when you still can't get there, but staying busy is the key.


I got lucky last week when I went to Center Stage with a friend to see "Stoop Stories," a bi-monthly production of storytellers and their themes. "Creation" was the subject, and the stories ranged from sad, to hilarious, to destructive. I found myself moved by most all of the storytellers, but there was this one guy who made me sit up on the edge of my seat and want more. That guy would be artist, Loring Cornish.


Loring told a story about coming back to Baltimore, while I sat in the dark thinking about how I can get out. His story went something like this: he moved back from California unexpectedly, rented a place that was in need of help, he asked God for direction and God told him to get into his car and drive. He did and ended up at a glass warehouse in the middle of the night. He asked God now what, and God said build. A glass house? Yes, go build a glass house. While the thought of a house in Baltimore City made entirely of glass make me curious, Loring made me laugh hysterically describing it. It wasn't just the glass house, it was an artist that truly loved life and the incredible journey he took to find his passion. I decided I should probably know this guy. Maybe he can teach me a thing or two about figuring out plan B.


I went to his open house this Sunday. I didn't know what to expect, however, once I turned onto his street, I was dumb-founded--I hope these pictures help describe why. There was color and light shooting out of two houses in the middle of a mundane row of city homes. And just like he said, they were covered entirely in glass.


I went to the second house first. The steps, windows and door were all of glass, but after I entered inside, I couldn't have predicted the intense delight I felt when I saw the glass continued on the walls, floor and ceiling. I expected artwork, but certainly not everywhere. When I spotted his toilet in the center of the room, I was glad I went before I came. How do his guests do it? And where was his bed? Closet...kitchen? None to be found, just art and glass.


At least I found a chair to sit in. It was covered entirely of nickles on the front and pennies on the back. It was at this point that I realized the genius of Mr. Loring Cornish. I stopped caring about how he lived and soaked up the beauty of his world instead. It was a better choice.


Onto house number two which was adorned in electric primary colors with a large "Jesus" sign. Many of Loring's themes deal with God, survival, race, peace, love, and hope. Inside there were several wall sized installations, one was dedicated to the survivors of the holocaust and African slavery movement. Although this is a sobering piece, you can't help but take in the positive energy that is all around. While you are transfixed by the largeness of his art, Loring's incredible compassion and use of recycled matter (he hunts in Baltimore's streets, woods and abandoned spaces) is as evident as his message.


After making my way around both houses twice, I zeroed in on the parts I loved. First, there was the private bathroom in house number one (thank God, Loring, I mean really...) completely covered in mirrored shards of glass. Then there were the crosses, he had lots of them for sale and I bought one. The other pieces I liked were huge installations that I couldn't afford, hopefully they will get snatched up by some big clients.


Regarding Loring's prices, they are reasonable--dare I say, in three years I'll doubtfully afford them. Most of his work is for sale, and he'll do personal artwork for your home as well. He takes cash and checks, no credit cards, though. Loring is as nice as he is talented, and is always up for giving a tour, but you must contact him or his coordinator, Ellen Saval, prior to going.


As far as figuring out where he slept or kept his clothes, I never did. And honestly, after seeing his magical kingdom shine so brilliantly, it really doesn't matter. I did however, sneak some cutlery to his neighbor who looks after him when I went back to pay for my pieces. I mean, even visionaries have to eat.

All photos by: The Flower Spy