Molten Ice: Sculpture & Installations by David Ruth showcases the artist’s innovative exploration of cast glass as both a sculptural and architectural medium. This book highlights Ruth’s creative process and the inspiration he draws from geology, climate, and the natural world.

The work featured in Molten Ice is influenced by Ruth’s experiences with California’s dynamic geology and the Antarctic landscapes he encountered through the National Science Foundation’s Antarctic Artists and Writers Program. Using cast glass to capture the textures of ice and stone, Ruth transforms these natural elements into luminous sculptures that play with light, texture, and time. His work bridges the ancient and the modern, using a material often associated with fragility to create durable and impactful sculpture.

From large-scale public installations like Rainbow Bridge in Oakland to his Geologic Editions series, Ruth continues to push the boundaries of glassmaking. By experimenting with techniques that mimic geological forms, he invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of Earth’s history and the impact of environmental change. His sculptures, whether displayed in natural sunlight or curated spaces, invite interaction as their appearance shifts throughout the day.