Project: Perspectives: Modern and Contemporary Glass from the Waitzer Collection
Client: Barry Art Museum
Focus: Modern glass art from the Waitzer Collection

Project Overview

I was commissioned to design and layout an art book titled Perspectives: Modern and Contemporary Glass from the Waitzer Collection. The book showcases the collection of Leah and Richard Waitzer, passionate art collectors from Norfolk, VA. Over their lifetime, the Waitzers cultivated a deep interest in modern American painting and international glass sculpture. Their collection features pieces spanning the evolution of modern glass, with iconic works from artists like Louis Comfort Tiffany, Dale Chihuly, and Lino Tagliapietra.

Objective

The book needed to serve as both a visual celebration of the collection and a historical document. Key objectives included:

• Visual Aesthetics: Presenting the art pieces in a way that reflects the Waitzers’ passion and the importance of each work.
• Layout and Readability: Ensuring the text is clear and well-organized, complementing the artwork without overwhelming it.
• Storytelling: Highlighting the Waitzers’ mentorship and friendship with the Barrys, and their lifelong engagement with glass art.

Concept and Inspiration

The design aimed to strike a balance between elegance and modernity to reflect the Waitzers’ collection. I focused on creating a layout that honors both the technical mastery of glass sculpture and the collectors’ personal journey. Key design considerations included:

• Typography: Clean, modern fonts to reflect the contemporary aspects of the collection, while subtle serif accents added a timeless touch.
• Color Palette: Soft, neutral tones allowed the vibrant glass artworks to take center stage without distraction.
• White Space: Strategic use of white space gave each piece room to breathe, emphasizing the unique character of every artwork.

Result

The final book successfully captured the Waitzers’ legacy and the artistic significance of their collection. The combination of thoughtful typography, carefully balanced layouts, and high-quality imagery made the book a compelling visual and historical resource. It serves not only as a record of the collection but also as a tribute to the Waitzers’ impact on the field of modern glass art.