Handmade and Signed Rick “Ayotte 78″ RED CARDINAL Art Glass Paperweight. These Lampworks by Rick are a bit Scare and getting harder to come. The Motif is a Gorgeous Bright Red Cardinal Perched on a Brown Tree Branch. The Cardinal is the State Bird for 7 US States and they are Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. Cardinal birds are a symbolic bird as it symbolizes positivity amidst the troubles we experienced in our life. There is a quote about this belief that goes. Cardinals appear when Angels are near. Because of this, many have been associated with Cardinal sightings in their property to their departed loved ones. Renowned for its striking red plumage. The Northern Cardinal is among the most abundant and cherished songbirds in North America. There’s no getting around it: People love cardinals. Male cardinals are brilliant red all over, with a reddish bill and black face immediately around the bill. Females are pale brown overall with warm reddish tinges in the wings, tail, and crest. This one pictured here in this amazing paperweight is the Bright Red Male Cardinal. No collection is considered complete without at least one of Rick’s of art glass Paperweights. The bottom is clear and slightly concave with no shelf ware. I consider this Amazing Work of Art to be in Excellent Original Vintage Condition. I have given you a short history of Rick’s background for you convenience below. This Paperweight Measures Approximately 2-1/8″ Diameter by 1-3/4″ Tall. Please check pictures for further description. The Stand is not part of this sale and is only used here for illustrative purposes. I will Consider any Reasonable Offers. On this Wonderful Vintage Art Glass Paperweight and Thank You for Looking. Please do not miss my many other lovely Art Glass Paperweight Auctions by various Well Known and Famous Artists. Short History About Rick Ayotte. Born and raised in New Hampshire, Rick Ayotte has always been captivated by nature. His love for exploring forests, waterways, and observing wildlife shaped the foundation of his artistic journey. In 1978, Ayotte found a way to merge his passion for nature with his mastery of glass, creating intricate wildlife art. After graduating high school in 1962, Ayotte began a decade-long career as a scientific glassblower with Macalaster Scientific Corporation. During this time, he honed his craft, mastering the malleability of glass. Alongside his professional work, Ayotte created small lampwork figurines for gift shops. It was Paul Stankard, a fellow Macalaster colleague and renowned paperweight artist, who recognized Ayotte’s talent and encouraged him to pursue paperweight art. “There was something pleasing and intimate about the spherical shape of paperweights that really appealed to me, ” Ayotte recalls. It opened a lot of doors for me artistically. Ayotte’s work reflects his admiration for 19th-century French glassmakers such as Baccarat, Saint Louis, and Clichy. Their mastery of crystal’s optical qualities, vibrant colors, and spherical designs heavily influenced his own approach. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Ayotte began shaping his personal vision in glass. His early editions, which included delicate eastern bluebirds and vibrant keel-billed toucans, showcased his ability to capture the beauty of wildlife. Driven to refine his technique, Ayotte developed a method using glass rods like paintbrushes, blending colors seamlessly for natural transitions. This approach gave rise to his “Glasscapes” series-breathtaking scenes encased in crystal that evoke the appearance of paintings. As his style evolved, Ayotte experimented with more ambitious designs, incorporating flora and landscapes into his compositions. His innovation led to upright, three-dimensional paperweights and intricate glass bouquets, which he began exhibiting in the 1990s. These pieces, distinguished by his meticulous attention to detail, bring flowers and wildlife to life with striking realism. For more than 20 years, Ayotte has immersed himself in the study of glass, mastering the fluidity of the medium. His work stands out for its vibrant imagery and unique motifs, earning him recognition among glass artists. When he’s not in the studio, Ayotte enjoys exploring ponds and birdwatching in the New Hampshire wilderness, continuing to draw inspiration from the natural world he loves so deeply. One of my hobbies is collecting Art Glass Paperweights. I’m a member of Midwest Paperweight Collectors Club as well as the Paperweight Collectors Association (PCA) which is our National Club. Please follow me so you won’t miss any of my fabulous items. Pictures are used as part of my descriptions. ONLY if there is a Mistake in the description. If you receive your item and the box is damaged please keep that for. From the shipper should they need it back. Thank you very much.