Phishbeard's progression

[phishbeard]

I decided it is time to start a progression thread. I will start posting pics of my current work tomorrow. I have been lampworking since 2012, but have pretty much been on hiatus since I got arrested in October 2014 for weed in Idaho. Long story short, I was setup by someone that I considered family. Now I am serving my 2 years of probation and hoping for early termination in July so I can pubically hit the studio fulltime and not just on the dl.

I learned from my mentor in Eugene, which is where I am moving my family after probation. He has worked under Roger Parramore and David Willis. He was even a TA at Pilchuck. I am excited about being part of the Melting Pot community and want to contribute as much as I can.

I am posting some pics of my studio to start things off. Please ignore the mess. I am usually a clean freak, but with limited torch time due to having 5 kids and working 2 fulltime jobs, I have been trying to spend as much time possible on the torch.

Hope you enjoy my current and future work. I love making marbles the most, but make most of my funds from spoons, bubblers, and one hitters. I will try to find pics of my older work so you can see how much I have progressed.

I will be electroplating pieces soon. I have a 5 gallon kit almost setup. This summer I will be trying my hand at sandblasting too, when I visit Eugene.

[phishbeard]

[phishbeard]

Here are some pics of some stuff that I made a few months ago. Keep in mind that I am lucky to get 4-6hrs per week on the torch due to how busy I am.

[phishbeard]

I will try to find some of my older work on the computer. Those were the only pics I have on my phone.

[phishbeard]

I will be more consistent and refined once I can work steady and long work days at the studio. It kills me to be so sloppy and inconsistent lately.

[whirlpool]

I really like your spoon shaping! On that green spoon did you twist the neck of it? or is that an optical illusion?

[phishbeard]

Thanks. Yes, I twisted the pull on the experimental green spoon. My frit twists still need some work. It is mostly a timing issue.

[FifDeez]

Ya phish I think you should be getting paid at least something more. After viewing this i see nothing wrong with your spoon shaping. Albeit not much to base an opinion on but I smell what your dropping.

[phishbeard]

Thanks Fif. I will consider bumping my prices. I just feel like if I want to demand higher prices that I should be able to put out nice work consistently and efficiently. I am really trying hard to be happier with my work. It is hard when the only people that I ever worked beside put out headie work. I can truly say that my vortex marbles I am proud of though I wish I could put out ones as sick as my good buddy Andy Ray and his kid. Once i am putting in a minimum of 40hrs per week, my game will step up quickly. It does mean lot that fellow lampworkers think my stuff is under priced. I am not one who is looking for a pat on the back to make me feel good, but compliments that are realistic are appreciated.

[phishbeard]

One of the spoons that I made today.

[phishbeard]

The bubbler tank that I am making for the swap got away from me and was almost 11" and super thin. I called my mentor and he told me how to save it. I am pretty stoked that I didn't lose it. I have it down to 7", but i am gonna put a handle on the tank side now and condense the other side a bit.

[Space King]

those looks awesome man

[phishbeard]

Thank you!

[gomilobster]

Very nice! I agree that you should charge more, though I have not been around to any shops in Eugene yet to see what they will take for my shite. Yer spoons are coming out fine imo, I use a lot of frit atm, shaping looks every bit as decent as mine in yer pics, I take 12 or 12.50 wholesale for a frit spoon with a marble on it (milli or whatever). Been fine to move in Portland and SF at that price at any rate. That might be on the cheap too, I myself am still adjusting to the shop selling game, but at any rate keep up the good work.

Try figuring out all of your costs, even if you are not happy with your work (average weight of point, average frit by the gram, time it takes (so you can charge a fair rate by the hour), potential fuel/oxy use in that span, etc). It was only after I did this that I was finally confident to ask a certain amount for my pieces and know if they wanted me to go lower that it would be like working for min wage or less.

Even if I was unsure about my pieces (never ever living up my my terrible standards I set for myself) I could charge a price free of that doubt and know I was not asking too much. Still have not had anyone haggle me yet... emphasis on the yet, as I think I will be raising my rates a bit more until I finally hit a snag be it from a shop owner or things not moving off the shelves as easily. Then I figure I will know where the sweetest spot for certain pieces are.

Can't wait to see where you go with things!

[phishbeard]

Thanks. I may have to raise my prices, but keep them the same for 1 shop. That is because he has provided me with a building at his house to setup my studio and hasn't charged me rent or electricity. In turn, I sell to him exclusively in the town where I resude for the time being. I plan to buy a 30' semi trailer and setup shop in it. I think I have one on lockdown for 200-500 bucks depending on if it has any leaks that need fixed. I am excited to start working the torch fulltime after I get off of probation in July. Then I will really step up my skills and production. I am also excited to try my hand in electroplating very soon too.

[phishbeard]

[Nash]

So stoked on the hammer I got for the functional swap. Works like dream and has got a great colorway

[phishbeard]

Thank you! Glad you like it. Thanks for the sherlock.

[phishbeard]

Here is a fumed cobalt spoon I made. Working out some kinks in my fuming and wig-wag techniques still.

[phishbeard]

Some pendy bats inspired from the mini shirley trade.