Public Mosaics by Dana Zed, as seen in Portola Branch Library 380 Bacon St, San Francisco, CA 94134, San Francisco, CA

California Wildflowers

California Wildflowers, installed in the front window of the Portola Branch Library, was created by Dana Zed. This set of four handmade glass and metal shutters have 20 individual and unique glass panels depicting California indigenous wildflowers, such as chamomile, daisy, echinacea, lavender, morning glory, poppy, starflower and western dogwood. Dana was inspired by the many garden nurseries that once were located in the neighborhood.

inPortola Branch Library 380 Bacon St, San Francisco, CA 94134, San Francisco, CA

Meet the Creator

Dana Zed

San Francisco, CA

“Dana Zed has been exhibiting her art nationally and internationally for 3 decades. She is in the permanent collections of The CorningMuseum in NY and The Oakland Museum. Dana owns and operates an Oakland studio with kilns and other equipment. She teaches Ceramics to kids in the East Bay. She teaches adults at Esaeln Institute in Big Sur. In San Francisco’s mission district she maintains a clean studio space for glass installations and digital drawing and painting projects.

GLASS I often work with glass, which is a particularly magical medium. Being translucent yet solid, as an invisible boundary, it simultaneously is and isn’t. This reflects well my intention to make manifest subtle philosophical concepts. The kiln work in the studio is itself alchemical and the effect intended for the viewer is none the less so. My work serves as a portal to that which we recognize as absolute. This transportation can be as simple as losing oneself in an intricate colorful flower pattern, or as complex as visually entering a mysterious architectural structure where a non-linear stage setting appears to be casting a spell. DIGITAL WORK My current drawing and painting involves recording what is, especially when I am drawing strangers in public. I am not overlaying my message on the subject but the message or mood emerges of its own. Modern Heiroglyphics made from colored glass in molds fired and cut and refired until the thickness and stability of the glass feels more like stone than crystal. The surfaces have the warm friendliness of a worn building who has seen time pass. Friendly and wise.”

Available for commission/custom work