RENOWNED GLASS ARTISTS KAREN WILLENBRINK-JOHNSEN AND JASEN JOHNSEN IN RESIDENCE AT SONEVA FUSHI
New York – March 25, 2019
Soneva – the world-leading luxury and sustainable resort operator – will be hosting renowned American glass artists Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen and Jasen Johnsen as guest artists in residence at Soneva Fushi’s Art studio from April 8-29, 2019. During these showcases, guests can watch along as Karen and Jasen create beautiful sculpture out of recycled glass and purchase the artwork from the exhibition.
Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen’s work is derived from her love of adventure, nature and glass. Raised in Ohio, the naturalist daughter of a naturalist father, Willenbrink-Johnsen is “constantly inspired, revitalized and awed by the power of nature.” After earning her BFA in sculpture from Ohio University, glass quickly became the driving force in Karen’s life. After moving to Washington State in 1987, she began working as an assistant to the legendary glass artist William Morris. Karen’s unique vision and passion for glass is evident in her work, which has been shown extensively in galleries and museums throughout the US and internationally. She co-teaches sculpting classes throughout the world with her husband and collaborator, Jasen Johnsen. Jasen served as the head studio technician at Pilchuck Glass School for nearly 10 years. He worked as teaching assistant for Pino Signoretto and Hank Murta Adams, before beginning to co-teach classes with Karen.
Guests at Soneva Fushi can participate in the resort’s glass recycling program by learning how to blow glass at the glass art studio. Soneva’s experienced team of glass specialists work very closely with guests to create their very own masterpiece to take home. As part of Soneva’s Maker Program, all works created at the Soneva Glass Studio are made using recycled glass bottles from Soneva Fushi and other nearby resorts, which are turned into stunning works of art
For more details about Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen and Jasen Johnsen’s work, wisit www.willenbrinkjohnsen.com. For more information about Soneva, visit www.soneva.com
ABOUT SONEVA FUSHI
In 1995, award-winning luxury resort Soneva Fushi set the standard for all desert island barefoot luxury hideaways in the Maldives. Located in the Baa Atoll, a pristine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve coral reef, Soneva Fushi pairs Robinson Crusoe fantasy with intelligent luxury. Sixty-one private villas with their own stretch of beach are hidden among dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine coral reef. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers. Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the homemade chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options. In November 2015, Soneva have launched a floating villa concept, Soneva in Aqua, a treasure trove children’s Den and a multi-purpose facility encompasses a glass gallery, boutique and studio where guests can learn the art of glass blowing. If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. No pretensions either.
