Zerbe's Glass Sculptures Accepted into the "I. We. They. Celebrations of Gender" Exhibition at Arts Benicia Gallery

I am so pleased to announce two of my recent glass sculptures have been selected for inclusion at the upcoming Arts Benicia exhibition titled “I. We. They. Celebrations of Gender”. This exhibition promises to be an exciting collection of works from artists exploring the gamut of sexual and gender expression. As a queer artist, I am honored to be included. You can learn more about Arts Benicia and the upcoming exhibition here.

My artist statement regarding this work: In the vibrant spectrum of human identity, I find myself drawn to explore the intricacies of gender and sexuality through the medium of glass sculpture. As a queer artist navigating the fluidity of these concepts, I have crafted a two part sculpture that embodies the essence of gendered form while challenging the binaries that confine our understanding.

In the creation of this sculpture, I am compelled by the inherent duality of glass as a material. It exists in a state of paradox, simultaneously liquid and solid, embodying qualities of both strength and fragility, heat and cold. In this liminal space, I see reflections of the queer experience—fluid and ever-changing, resisting categorization and defying expectations.

The first sculpture, reminiscent of the vulva, is a celebration of feminine energy and the power of creation. Its curves and contours evoke the beauty and complexity of the female form, inviting viewers to explore the depths of femininity beyond superficial representations. Yet, within its delicate lines lies a strength that defies convention—a reminder that femininity is not synonymous with weakness, but a force to be reckoned with.

Conversely, the second sculpture stands tall and proud, echoing the phallic symbol with its bold and erect form. It speaks to the potency of masculinity, but not in a traditional sense. Rather than reinforcing hierarchical structures of power, it challenges the notion of dominance and control, inviting viewers to reconsider what it means to embody masculinity in a world that often demands conformity.

Together, these sculptures form a dialogue—a conversation between the fluidity of gender and the rigidity of societal constructs. They serve as mirrors, reflecting back to us the multiplicity of our identities and the ways in which we resist being confined to predetermined roles.

In the realm of sexuality and desire, these sculptures take on new dimensions. Like glass, our understanding of genitals, sex, and gender is both transparent and opaque, refracted through the lens of societal norms and personal experiences. They are simultaneously tangible and intangible, existing beyond the confines of physicality.

In presenting this work, I seek to disrupt the status quo—to challenge the binary thinking that divides us and limit our potential for self-expression. By embracing the fluidity of gender and the complexity of queer identity, we can begin to envision a world where every individual is free to explore and celebrate their authentic selves.

As viewers engage with this piece, I invite them to reflect on their own perceptions of gender and sexuality—to question the narratives that have been imposed upon us and to imagine new possibilities for connection and understanding. In the dance between light and shadow, heat and cold, strength and fragility, may we find liberation in the fluidity of our existence.

In the end, these sculptures are not merely objects—they are vessels for transformation, inviting us to shatter the constraints of binary thinking and embrace the beauty of our own complexity. In the union of glass and queerness, we discover a kaleidoscope of possibilities—a vision of a world where every facet of our identity is celebrated and affirmed.