Last Friday, I attended Chicago’s International Expositions of Sculptural Objects & Functional Art (SOFA). I saw some innovative jewelry creations, such as the woman who showed me a ring that, when not being worn, fits seamlessly into a freestanding, abstract sculpture. “Form and function,” she explained simply.

I was particularly taken by a series of bronze-cast paper sculptures. The first sculpture was of a slightly rumpled sheet of paper, followed by increasingly crumpled sheets of papers, followed by a sheet of paper completely smashed into a ball. The ball was then followed by sheets of less and less crumpled paper until the final sheet looked almost like the first – almost. As I looked closely at each of the unfolding-paper sculptures, I noticed patterned creases showing intentional folds like that of origami. It reminded me that one of the greatest joys of life (and art) is when chaos slowly resolves itself to reveal meaningful and beautiful experiences.

And I loved all the glass art I saw, like this vessel by Lino Tagliapietra of Holsten Galleries. I was fascinated by a demonstration of glassblowing presented by the Corning Museum of Glass, entranced as an artist formed a life-size trumpet out of molten glass with only the help of a sketch provided by members of the audience.

As wonderful as the whole exhibition was, it led me to ponder some tough questions. For instance, when does art cross into consumerism? The exhibit could have easily passed as a museum, but beneath that façade was a marketplace where only the upper crust of society could shop. Is that fair? Perhaps the answer is “no” to the rest of society but “yes” to the artists who spend much of their lives perfecting their craft and who use nothing but the finest-quality materials. But is there a way to make the sharing of such art fair to everyone? Any thoughts? Please post your comments below.