I remember the very first time I saw someone blow glass.
I was probably around 10 years old and I was at a large
amusement park with my family. It was either Cedar Point
in northern Ohio or Kings Island in southern Ohio. I
remember that he made a pitcher with a large body and a
narrow neck. I remember watching how he attached the
handle and how the glass glowed coming out of the glory
hole. I was amazed that he could work and shape
something so hot that it couldn't be touched. The second
glass working experience I remember is a Lampworker at
Disneyland in California. My mom, cousin and I went out
to California when my aunt had her first child. I stood
against the counter, and watched the artist working
behind the glass shield as long as my mom and cousin
would let me stay. Again, I was mesmerized by the hot
glass.
Glass to me is an amazing thing. It combines
all of the four elements into one incredible art form.
Earth in the form of silica, the main ingredient of
glass. Air from your lungs used to inflate and give
shape to the molten glass. Fire of course to heat and
melt the glass and water used to cool the wooden tools
and keep them from burning. Though I have to admit that
I occasionally let my tools burn a bit because it
thrills me to see the flames coming up around the piece
that I'm working. Not good for the tools but...
The next time I would have the opportunity to
experience glasswork would be freshman year at the
Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus Ohio. I
couldn't do anything about it freshman year though I
loitered around the glass lab a bit too much. I signed
up for glassblowing first semester of sophomore year. I
did a few semesters of glass but I was carrying a double
major of illustration and advertising design and decided
to let go of the glasswork (as I had no interest in the
fine arts default profession of waiting tables) with the
hopes of finding employment in graphic design when I
graduated.
I graduated in 1992 and I did find work in graphic
design. As it turned out my computer classes saved me as
this was when the transition from traditional layout and
paste-up to computer design was happening and my first
few jobs centered around computer aided production and
illustration. I worked various jobs in advertising for
three or so years as an illustrator and graphic designer
doing pen and ink, airbrush and computer illustration as
well as design and production work. I eventually became
frustrated with the corporate environment, with my boss
and with the clients and I took a trip to Baja kayaking
for a month with the
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). It seemed
that corporate and art
didn't mix well in my world and after a month away, and
some realignment of my priorities, I quit my job the
first day back at the office and started teaching
kayaking. Five years later I started my own watersport
school called Watertrail Adventures. If you'd like to check it out you
can find it at
www.watertrailadventures.com.
I also work as an Instructor Trainer in Coastal Kayaking
with the American Canoe Association. That means that I
travel around the country and train folks to be kayaking
instructors on the open ocean. If you would like to find
out about the American Canoe Association you can find
them at www.acanet.org.
Mostly I spend my time
running the kayaking business and working in my studio outside
of Verona Wisconsin with a great view of some farms
fields and a marsh. When I'm not working at the studio I
spend time kayaking, sailing, rowing and just hanging
out with my wonderful partner Rebecca and our dogs Mardi
and Tripper. That's Tripper looking thrilled to have her
picture taken.
My teaching schedule
If you would like to learn how to blow glass click
on the shop name below to see their website and sign up.
June 17 -
The Vinery,
Madison WI - Small Blown Vessels for the Complete
Beginner
July 29 -
The Vinery,
Madison WI - Small Blown Vessels for the Complete
Beginner
If you have the
equipment and would like me to teach a class at your
shop please contact me.
Private lessons
are available at my studio for $65.00 an hour and
include all equipment and glass. No prior experience
needed.
