Mom and Pop

[d3rk]

Recently, I set up the torch at my girlfriend and I's place and started making pendants. She has gladly taken on the macrame work and since, I feel more connected to both her and glass work. The feeling of being solo in my glass endeavor has dissipated and turned into something we share. So, I'm curious how many glass artists out there have a similar relationship and what roles each play in the relationship.

[AdamCotter]

Heidi handles business part. And forces me to make prodo.

[Greg Cowles]

When my wife and I where first dating she came to work with me, and she got hooked. (would not get off the torch)
We built Glimmer Glass works together... Literally, the work bench, ventilation system, and the retaining wall around our work space.
We handle every aspect of the business together. From filing the taxes to putting together promotional materials, and working glass.
We feel very blessed to be able to spend so much time together.

[Ness]

Wow Id consider you all very lucky to have relationships that work to support your glasswork.

I, however, have not been fortunate enuff to experience such a relationship. Most of my x gf's hated that Id rather be in my garage by myself over sitting on my ass staring at the idiotbox with them... But maybe thats not such a bad thing. In hindsight, I can see how incredibly grateful I am that none of those relationships lasted. Hopefully Ill get to experience a relationship that will be supportive of my glass addiction; maybe that will be an excellent 'test' for my relationships from now on.

But then again. having hobbies/interests that differ from one another allows for 'space' in a relationship.. so who knows...

anyway thats my .02
J

[gambitglass]

My GF has set foot in my shop maybe 2-3 times in the past 4 years. I def wish she would take more of an interest in what I love, including music. Its a struggle but other parts of our relationship are pretty solid.

[smolder holder]

My wife is scared of the torch so she rarely comes outside to hangout when i'm working. Mine is a part time gig but she sure appreciates it on the occasions when i've been able to get our asses out of hot water because of my "hobby".

Sometimes i wish she would take an active interest in it but on the other hand my shop is my refuge, keeps me sane and grounded plus i'd rather play with glass than go out with my friends 9 times out of 10 so it keeps me out of trouble.

[hashmasta-kut]

mine wont do it, but she is nice about my doing it. she made one ugly marble type thing one time, and never went back for a second go.

[Conchis]

My wife is totally in it with me. She makes beads, strings beads into jewelry, glues up my glass wine stoppers, puts pendants on necklaces she designs, goes to arts/crafts show with me and helps sell stuff. It's a great relationship and we enjoy making this business work. It's nice to not have to explain when sales are slow that there isn't much money around and we both tighten the belt a little without fighting about it. It is what it is. It's really been great.

[Dan Kooper]

My g/f of 12 years is what got me into glass. Then i took over and she got a real job. She fully supports me and can pull points for me if i give her a sad face. I have a tv in my shop so im never by myself. Always a friend watching or blazing. Its like my house is in the middle of everywhere and im always home so people stop by constantly. She works long hours as a main manager of goodwill so i get lots of time to myself. And i take the same days off she has. Wich arnt many.

[rockstar glassworks]

Any of you who have a wife/gf who's in it with you, congratulations.

My wife has the real job (college professor) and has no interest in glass or any other creative pursuits. Although we work well together as a partnership in life, I really wish I had her more involved in my business. I work full time and it's a bitch producing a constant stream of prodo to keep the bills paid and find time to expand my techniques, make art for art's sake, do book keeping, and have some sort of tiny social life etc. etc. etc.

Both of us having freedom from 9-5 lives is really nice though.

[quix]

My lady works full time at a well paying job, but mainly for insurance etc... We are working on getting her out of the 9-5 and into the shop full time running the business side of things as well as doing her stained glass etc.. She has a real knack on the torch but only hits it like once a month due to macular degeneration. She really is a cool lady and very understanding, even when the shop gets big enough for our landlord to kick us out and forces us to relocate and find new employment.

[d3rk]

Some great responses

[faded]

my wife makes the sandwiches, that's all i ask of her. :)

[loydb]

My wife turns my bead sets and pendants into fantastic jewelry. She used to spend some time on the torch, but not much in recent years.

[Dan Kooper]

Also wrapping my skillets is something she does. Also hemp but i havnt made a bead in a while. My mom use to help with beads.

[maui greenstone]

My wife has only touched the torch to repair a glass heart (she broke my heart i made her fix it). Other than that we handle all aspects of our business together. Taxes, managing employees, search for new venues, promotional materials and marketing, we renovated our gallery together. She helps remind me of deadlines on custom work and large orders. She isn't just a pretty face either. Her Artwork trumps mine in quality, talent, and composition. Here is a link to her web page (actually re-directs to our gallery)

www.annakeayfineart.com

I had a good handle on my glass career before we met, but together I feel both our potential as artists has hit an exponential curve. She will be coming with me to eugene in sept for Glass Stock West and for the Flameoff in my support. Yeah i got lucky.

[Dan Kooper]

U did. Shes easy on the eyes. And a awesome painter.