Why do people make marbles?

[lukem5]

I mean, is it so you can attach it to a piece later on or what? OR is it just to look at? Play games with? I mean if its just to look at, incorporate that thing into a functional piece where it can be appreciated more, seriously.
This is a serious question not a troll post, I want your guys opinions on why you make marbles?

[TlkQ]

Yea man. And why the hell do people make paintings too? If it's just to look at why don't they atleast glue it to the side of an eggbeater or something more useful than just hanging it on the wall

You get a marbled rye sammich.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3156/2461070179_9641c193af_z.jpg


[Please keep posting stuff like this. Your threads are quickly making you my favorite new poster.]

[Kato]

Aesthetic pleasure. Do you like art?

[Neko]

well personally,i would much rather have a Mike Gong marble then one of his minitubes with the marble attached. i love pipes with marbles on them but theres something about a beautiful orb of art that really draws me in. I appreciate them more on their own but all my favorite functional art have marbles attached aswell.

[lukem5]

Yea man. And why the hell do people make paintings too? If it's just to look at why don't they atleast glue it to the side of an eggbeater or something more useful than just hanging it on the wall


Ever wondered why museums and art galleries are so mundane and shitty to 95% of people? Yet a glass shop is exciting to 99% of people?

[lukem5]

well personally,i would much rather have a Mike Gong marble then one of his minitubes with the marble attached. i love pipes with marbles on them but theres something about a beautiful orb of art that really draws me in. I appreciate them more on their own but all my favorite functional art have marbles attached aswell.

This makes me wonder if there is any way to mount marbles on pieces to retain their "orb" instead of just having a 180 hemi glued on the side, I already have some ideas mounting a marble in a bong to make it appear its "floating" in the center of the bong, so it can be viewed 360 degrees. Have the same idea for spoons too, man I gotta get that GTT!

[jr23]

That idea is called a spinner its been done. You don't need a gtt to do them.

[lukem5]

That idea is called a spinner its been done. You don't need a gtt to do them.


True. Got any pictures of this spinner? Scouring google images a and message boards as we speak.

[istandalone24/7]

yea, because a gtt will make you "baller as fuck" lol.

trust me...if you suck at glass on a nortel, you'll suck on a gtt too.

oh and op, questions and posts like your OP on this thread, will make you the laughing stock of the forum sooner rather then later.
how do you know that 95% of the people that go to museums and art galleries are bored? did you take a survey?

[Neko]

97% of all statistics are made up on the spot

[istandalone24/7]

^^i see what you did there....made that up haha.

[menty666]

To answer your question, it makes me happy to make them. They're a challenge to get continually improve and get closer to round. They're actually why I started in on glass, because at the end of the kiln cycle I have something to hold and show for my time.



Ever wondered why museums and art galleries are so mundane and shitty to 95% of people? Yet a glass shop is exciting to 99% of people?

a) The wrong museum will bore the wrong person. One of my favorite exhibits around here is a building at the living history museum dedicated to glass from the 1830s. My kids find it dull. I could go to the museum of textiles and be bored out of my skull while someone else would be there with a magnifying glass looking over the weave patterns and trying to figure out how they're done.

b) I'm assuming by "the glass shop" you're talking about a smoke shop as opposed to the Mountain Glass Arts warehouse. Folks are in a smoke shop not to do a gallery tour, they're there to buy a piece of glass to smoke whatever out of, *that* is why they'e excited; it's why they walked in the door to begin with, not for an artistic cultural experience. If it happens that the glass on the shelves wows them as well so much the better. Me? I'd have a glassgasm in the MGA warehouse.

[Jimi The Don]

Waking up to this makes me believe in the future of humanity..

[Neko]

Borogasm

[ROGUE]

Ever wondered why museums and art galleries are so mundane and shitty to 95% of people? Yet a glass shop is exciting to 99% of people?

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!! I'm sorry I had add a few extra exclamation points in there for effect. There was a two hour wait to get into the Salvador Dali museum last weekend in Downtown St Pete Fl, and the museum has a 1700 person capacity. Damn that place is mundane and shitty.

As for your original question, if it is a serious question, then there is nobody here that could truly answer that for you. Handmade marbles are usually art and if they don't give you some sort of motivation then I guess that's your answer. It doesn't really matter what they're for does it? Maybe some chics use then as Ben Wa balls, who knows.

[skip]

this guys a chode... totally here to pull chains.

[jw721]

I mean if its just to look at, incorporate that thing into a functional piece where it can be appreciated more, seriously.

Not very familiar with the current marble market are you? Do you have any idea how many collectors there are and how serious about marbles they are? ffs

[Jimi The Don]

but in reality, i've been collecting marbles since the 80s. now i don't have a multi thousand dollar collection, most are just single collers or tiger's eye. but a perfectly round object is beautiful, and i grew up playing marbles. also, i enjoy the RISD art museum at least twice a month. being an ARTIST i really enjoy seeing ART. if you don't understand the importance and beauty of ART then choosing glass as your ART medium seems foolish. i know that making pipes gets you laid and everyone will finally realize how COOL you are, but maybe you're getting into this for the wrong reasons..

[MrSmeeth]

Lol because people buy them. And zombies and skulls can live inside them. Fun things to make. Fun and challenging. No limit on possibilities. Endless variety Joy :)

[Organik]

love these posts

[Ironheart]

Marbles are great and they sale a lot. Besides that they are a great way to start. But man is this post entertaining to say the least lol :bouncy:

[PyroChixRock]

Where the hell did I put that sammich badge...,

[lukem5]

Where the hell did I put that sammich badge...

I think i've rightfully earned it. Did u find it yet? I want a sammich badge, preferably ham.


but in reality, i've been collecting marbles since the 80s. now i don't have a multi thousand dollar collection, most are just single collers or tiger's eye. but a perfectly round object is beautiful, and i grew up playing marbles. also, i enjoy the RISD art museum at least twice a month. being an ARTIST i really enjoy seeing ART. if you don't understand the importance and beauty of ART then choosing glass as your ART medium seems foolish. i know that making pipes gets you laid and everyone will finally realize how COOL you are, but maybe you're getting into this for the wrong reasons..


Lol because people buy them. And zombies and skulls can live inside them. Fun things to make. Fun and challenging. No limit on possibilities. Endless variety Joy :)

insightful posts, I think I understand better now, but you still won't see any of my marbles without being attached to some sort of piece! I always feel like art gets SO MUCH MORE appreciation when its put on something you can form an ergonomic relationship with, just think, why are there so many more people that appreciate the beauty of cars than famous paintings? It's cus you can't drive a freakin painting. same goes for glassware.

[Icarus]

I think i've rightfully earned it. Did u find it yet? I want a sammich badge, preferably ham.


You've made 40 some posts. You've earned little, other than the ire of others. Sammich badge is for the epic. You're not epic, you're just kind of annoying, and possibly a good example of the Dunning-Kruger effect. That or just completely tone-deaf to the vibe you're putting out there.

[vetropod]

Why does a dog lick its balls?

54996

[istandalone24/7]

You've made 40 some posts. You've earned little, other than the ire of others. Sammich badge is for the epic. You're not epic, you're just kind of annoying, and possibly a good example of the Dunning-Kruger effect. That or just completely tone-deaf to the vibe you're putting out there.

quoted for truth.

[lukem5]

You've made 40 some posts. You've earned little, other than the ire of others. Sammich badge is for the epic. You're not epic, you're just kind of annoying, and possibly a good example of the Dunning-Kruger effect. That or just completely tone-deaf to the vibe you're putting out there.

That hurts, but I must be close to epic if you considered digging up the sammich badge for me.

[istandalone24/7]

that's just it, he didn't consider it, you did.

[funksizzle]

I wondered the same thing that this dude asked. You know why? I've never seen a marble dealer until couple years ago. Why not buy a pipe right?


Now, on the forum, when I was hatin on the sweet ass marbles you know what I was doin? Hatin!Hatin! A tiny bit of jealousy! Now I aint hatin, I know my skills and mind will progress once I nearly almost complete;y eliminate hatin and admit there are a lot of people that are better than me, but the ladies love the dong so it balances.

[TlkQ]

Personally I think the sammich badge is for the ones who deliver the most righteous sammiches to the most deserving threads

::coughcough::

[PyroChixRock]

TLkQ you might just be right about that, indeed.

[Greymatter Glass]

before I read the rest of this thread and get caught up in it.....

I make marbles because I like making marbles.

Do I need a better reason?

I honestly don't get why you'd ask a question like that...and I _REALLY_ don't know why it matters.

[Matt P]

I think I understand better now, but you still won't see any of my marbles without being attached to some sort of piece! I always feel like art gets SO MUCH MORE appreciation when its put on something you can form an ergonomic relationship with, just think, why are there so many more people that appreciate the beauty of cars than famous paintings? It's cus you can't drive a freakin painting. same goes for glassware.

the marble doesn't need to be attached to a piece because it already is "some sort of piece".

and you think there are more people into cars than painting?? that's a pretty wild statistic to expect any real results on, but really...

you clearly doubt what art does for people and have no personal connection with it.

[samoth890]

You should pick up a 3 inch kobuki flower and attach it to a spoon man, now that's heady. Marbles are never cool without a pipe attached to them.

Grab a $1000 lathe and a phantom too though or else the spoon will be damn tricky.

[BORO]

am willing to bet , that the top marble guys , make more $$$ than the top pipe guys . You spend three days on a pipe ( if it makes it), tons of supply's , and if you are at the top , you will sell it for big $ . If you are a top marble guy , one roller can be done in a day or less ,little supply's , and claim as much or more than a head pipe will. yes that's 3 pay checks , when you make one pay check from a "heady." marbles are "art" and collected by people investing , (not smoking and dropping / de- valueing the piece ) marbles sell regularly for 5 k to 15 k ( no joke ) by the top of the top . Even some lesser know guys get 800$ to a 1000$ for each ( and have a wait list ) . You gotta eat , you have to live from your "art". There are a lot of blowers that are not " pot heads " and don't want to be seen as one.( by blowing pipes ) what , other than marbles , command a high price , sell regularly , and give a "glass artist" a chance to survive? ......................................... Here are some statistics I made up , based on what I know ....... The o. P. has >15% of a year on a torch , totaling less weeks than the # of fingers on my hands . ( yes I'm missing fingers ) Can I get a " UTFS"! or better yet , you are looking for super basic stuff , go ask google or toke city. If you want some respect , post up some glass , or your shop , in the gallery .

[HumanLathe]

Ok me being into cars I'll chime in for a second. There are two kinds of car people. People who enjoy and fight to preserve the beauty of a vehicle... (These people don't drive their cars)
Their cars are kept in climate controlled garages and towed to events so people including themselves can stare at the beauty which stands before them. . Then there are drivers, these are people who enjoy driving their car.. This is where I fall... I believe if you have something gorgeous like a 67 camero with a vette power plant you better Damn well drive it as its not worth dumping all your money into something you can't use. Takes all kinds to make up this world. Some people want something pretty for their mantle or wall, some people want to find someone to teach them how to create the amazing things they see in galleries.

Being a glass artist gives us the unique opportunity to really love our work. Some of us make marbles for a living some of us use them to decorate our pipes and shit some people don't know wtf they are doing and some just enjoy the challenge. Again it takes all kinds.

[BORO]

Ya....... My car is "stand alone" engine management , boosted to 30 psi , I get over 200 hp. Per liter , you better believe I'm going to roast the rubber right off the bitch . ( now if I could just afford new tires with glass.... Oh wait , ill go make some marbles. )

[Jimi The Don]

a yenko camaro? tasty..

[istandalone24/7]

saab 9000 lol.
don't laugh...those things can be made to make serious power, and yes i speak from experience.

[chillrelaxglass]

Love it. 55000

[TlkQ]

saab 9000 lol.
don't laugh...those things can be made to make serious power, and yes i speak from experience.

My buddy had a quick 900. Put 300hp down on the dyno. The thing would heat soak like no other though. He ran it against my 240 one night and by the third run I was beating him by 4-5 cars

[istandalone24/7]

nice! i've had about 3 900's (one 84 900s 8 valve, one 88 900s turbo and an 89 spg...the spg was by far the quickest, pushing about 12psi, no idea the horsepower though) and one 9000t.
currently, 2000 A6 twin turbo manual 6spd....now that is a fun car to drive :)

[BORO]

First time I tested my 2.3 I had 381 hp , and 445ft lbs! sooooo much wheel spin in any gear . Second time , with a stage 2 cam , I did a respectable 401 hp , and high 300's ft lbs , much more drivable . Fun to make vet owners punch the steering wheel ( on the highway ) but its no fun under 30 mph , I can twist off cv shafts no problem , I think I may start putting little stickers next to the front wheel , of broken cv shafts .(like pilots put up planes shot down) , I'm up to 6 broken sets , and the current set is pissed . That's 12 or 14 stickers I figure . ( have had good luck with the trans , and I have extras )1992 , with a aero everything , holset turbo , and em4 sds management system.

[BORO]

I stand alone has a mint Audi a6 with the twin turbo v6 ( jellous )

[quix]

I make marbles because I love marbles. I drive a volvo, sometimes while eating sammiches. Over and out.

[standard28]

IMHO....I would delete these 2 threads. They provide nothing beneficial to the site and may even deter people away. After reading these I really questioned where this site was headed in the future. I think nonsense like this should be deleted...just my $.02 though

[jw721]

I agree but they also serve to show what kind of a person lukem is.

[BORO]

I thought the thread jack was just about right ,( if you really blow glass and even need a answer to " why marbles exist ?" )then again I made thoes car stats in my head..... ( 401 hp is not 200 hp per liter )

[ALIEN!]

I make em because Im obsessed with weapons and violence. I put all mine in socks and go out at night semi-silently cracking skulls. After I use em, I sell em and ship the evidence away. Might as well make a buck. The marbles I mean, ya gotta burn the socks, no way around that really.

[BORO]

"Homie don't play tat " ( as the clown swings the sock)

[istandalone24/7]

oh how i miss watching In Living Color.

[Icarus]

I make em because Im obsessed with weapons and violence. I put all mine in socks and go out at night semi-silently cracking skulls. After I use em, I sell em and ship the evidence away. Might as well make a buck. The marbles I mean, ya gotta burn the socks, no way around that really.

At least, you know, as you get better, the price you command for your marbles make the cost of replacing socks a little easier to bear.

[Jimi The Don]

i also discard socks full of evidence, not for fear of prosecution, just so that my wyfe doesn't ask me why they're all crusty and bleachy smelling..

[TlkQ]

Bleachy smelling?? Uh... You might want to seek medical attention if that's the case..

[Jimi The Don]

Should be fine, they taste just like they should..

[ALIEN!]

At least, you know, as you get better, the price you command for your marbles make the cost of replacing socks a little easier to bear.

Right, and now that cubes are all the rage I need to upgrade to a good lap wheel. Cant wait to find out what a cube sock is capable of. And once the lap wheel pays off, I should be able to upgrade my socks too. Maybe some Nikes instead of these shitty fruit of the looms. Im not even sure the fruit of the looms will be able to handle cubes. Ill have to double bag till I can upgrade.

[Riley]

Alot of legit heads posted in this roost of a thread, only thing that redeems it or this place is seeing and reading words from like minded ppl. Otherwise this place would be a ghost town with Byron and the op, bending over each other to give their sage wisdom and political wherewithall to any unfortunate newbster that stumbles in.

Keep posting, lets keep the dream alive and keep drilling these fools with snarky wit and underhanded insults, till they get it or find another hobby between wrist waxing and doing laundry in mom's basement.

[samoth890]

This guy was pretty fun until he got all anti Semitic.. I want to see those lathe chuck drill bits.

[HumanLathe]

My car... It's not done still in mid build. 330hp to all 4 wheels :-)

[silicabello]

Intersting thread, I see non pipe glass pieces like marbles, pendants, etc selling better in some markets

[kbinkster]

insightful posts, I think I understand better now, but you still won't see any of my marbles without being attached to some sort of piece! I always feel like art gets SO MUCH MORE appreciation when its put on something you can form an ergonomic relationship with, just think, why are there so many more people that appreciate the beauty of cars than famous paintings? It's cus you can't drive a freakin painting. same goes for glassware.

Isn't holding something in your hands an "ergonomic relationship"? Marbles are perfect for that. And truth be told, that's one reason people make beads. They like to hold them and feel the glass. Of course, you can wear beads, as well (that would be analogous to the leaving a marble as is or attaching it to a piece thing). Maybe you should consider making beads, too! You would love it!

[HumanLathe]

Funny is I always thought of marbles on pipes just only as accenting features to bring out theme I was trying to go for with whatever particular piece I was working on but all the while being careful not to take away from the beauty which was the hollow form behind them. I also think it all depends on the piece. Some pieces the pipe might be playing the role of a permanent marble stand as its clear the main attractions of the piece are it's marbles. Why do people like marbles was a common question that rattled my brain as well for a couple years then I switched from pipes to marbles. Then one of the most common statements from customers was "I can just stare into these things forever, there is just so much going inside". I think people in this world want to be adventures and love to question the unknown but not everyone is brave enough to stare into the depths of our medium, battle the fire-breathing dragon and come out the other side with something amazing their hands. Glass in general has this mystery and sense of secrecy and I think that's very intriguing to the average customer/collector. My favorite customers are young kids.. The way their eyes light up with so much feeling..It's like you become this wise old wizard that makes magic spheres and they can't keep their eyes off all the magic going on in the booth.... I miss that the most about glass. That Feeling you get like you just made someone's life better... Even if only for a moment the power behind handing someone something beautiful to look at that can last a lifetime. It's Priceless and I'm honored to have had the chance to experience it in my life. ..