In Papilio, Robert Buick captures a sense of lightness and transformation through the medium of kiln-formed glass. The sculpture’s gently arcing form and layered textures evoke the delicate motion of wings in flight—its title referencing the butterfly genus Papilio, a symbol of change and grace in nature.

Measuring just over two feet in length, the work has a floating presence, with subtle variations in transparency and colour that shift with the light. Buick’s precise technique gives the piece both structure and softness, balancing organic gesture with refined craftsmanship.

Papilio is a quiet yet dynamic work—contemporary in form, poetic in spirit—offering a moment of stillness and uplift within the evolving language of Canadian glass sculpture.

Robert Buick – Papilio, 2023
Glass Sculpture
12 x 27 x 3.5 in.