Pneuma: In Stoic Philosophy, PNEUMA (Greek: πνεῦμα) is the breath of life, a mixture of the elements air (in motion) and fire (as warmth). Originating among Greek medical writers who located human vitality in the breath, pneuma for the Stoics is the active, generative principle that organizes both the individual and the cosmos. In its highest form, the pneuma constitutes the human soul (psychê), which is a fragment of the pneuma that is the soul of God. As a force that structures matter, it exists even in inanimate objects.

Pneuma Glass

The name Pneuma comes from ancient Greek philosophy, where it means "breath" or "spirit"—the vital force that animates life. This idea lies at the heart of every piece created by the artists at Pneuma. Through the transformative process of molten glass, each work embodies movement, intention, and craftsmanship, bringing the spirit of the material to life while celebrating the balance between technical mastery and artistic expression.

About

Johnathon Tardif is a multidisciplinary artist and founder of Pneuma Glass, whose work explores transformation, perception, and the tension between fragility and resilience. Working primarily with blown glass alongside metal, wood, and other materials, he creates sculptural works that bridge realism and abstraction, inviting viewers to consider the relationships between material, form, tension, and experience.

Tardif's relationship with glass began during his youth while traveling through Germany, where he was first introduced to the medium. He was later reintroduced to glass as an art form in Maui, where he began an apprenticeship that eventually led him back to Oregon to further refine his technical skill and artistic vision. His education includes formative study at Portland State University, the Penland School of Craft, and advanced training with Venetian maestros—experiences that fostered a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship while inspiring innovation in contemporary glass.

His practice often incorporates technically demanding processes, most notably in the Craquelle Series, where controlled fractures become an essential part of the sculpture's visual and conceptual language. By embracing the inherent contradictions of glass and harnessing its molten properties, Tardif investigates the remarkable strength that exists within fragility. Through heat, pressure, and intentional fracture, he creates works that explore resilience, transformation, and the beauty that emerges through change.

Tardif has exhibited nationally and has received Best in 3D honors at both the Salem Art Fair & Festival and the Charbonneau Festival of the Arts. His work has been featured in exhibitions including Fans Only and Struggle Preserved: A Sculptural Exhibition. Through his practice, he continues to expand the expressive possibilities of glass, creating works that are both technically masterful and conceptually resonant.