Spirituality and Glass Blowing

[RaindropRising]

I love glass, you love glass. We've all stopped and thought about why at this point; what makes glass so spiritual, and on a philosophical level, how do you look at the glass?

Is it just a material? Do you personify it? How is your philosophy and what do you think is the best way to approach it?

[FLAGSTAFFglass]

Art in general.............. and glass especially, has such a connection to the person that created it. Most lampworkers know the feeling of shaping something using their own breath.........air from their lungs as a means to manipulate the shape of their creation.

I understand what you're saying.....to some glass is a job or career.......to others it is a way of life, and what defines them as a person.

Here on Maui there are all kinds of churches based on Surfing........many people would say how the hell is riding epoxy/fiberglass on a wave a spiritual thing??? Same thing with shaping molten materials into what you envision.

I think there is definitely a closer relationship with some forms of art compared to others. Clay, glass, ink/charcoal, metal, oil/watercolor, trash.....plus the other 642 mediums people work with to make art.

Neat thread..........

[Robert Mickelsen]

Glass and surfing... two things I can definitely relate to. :D

My personal mantra about working glass is "balance, rhythm, and timing". There are so many constants with glass... the rate at which it absorbs heat, the rate at which it gives up its heat to room temp, the viscosity at a given temp, the steady flame, the force of gravity... that the only variable is us. Dance with the glass to get where you want to go.

I believe life is exactly like that. Balance, rhythm, and timing. Keeping things in their proper perspective, consistency and reliability, and moderation in your behavior are the secrets to happiness and success. Throw in a little creativity and you are gold!

Surfing adds the importance of risk-taking. You cannot get a great ride without taking a great risk. Risk should usually be calculated (you don't want to get killed), potential gain against potential loss. But sometimes you just have to spin around and go without thinking.

There are great rewards to be had, but you are going to get your share of donuts getting to them.

The dance of riding waves is almost purely spontaneous. Blowing glass is a more willful and calculated activity. But every now and then you just go for it. When you take those kinds of risks and succeed, those are the best moments and the best art of all!

Back to my coffee...

- RAM

[bzglass]

What an awesome analogy. Both are so much fun to do. Of course the variables are much more controlled when working in the shop, and the blower is pretty much in control of those variables. While surfing you are are subject to the will, of the most powerful force on earth, and you are a tiny fish in the sea.

Both surfing and blowing glass will keep you up at night thinking about what you can do with them next time.