The art of blowing glass

A couple of weeks ago, Stepan and I started a glass blowing class through Informal Classes. It was Stepan's idea to sign up, and and even though I probably wouldn't have signed up for it on my own, I'm thoroughly enjoying myself. After all, we get to be creative, make useful and/or artistic pieces, and play with hot molten glass all at the same time. The class is taught by local artisan Aaron Gross.

Here I am working on a glass bowl.

 

.This close-up shows Stepan picking up bits of colored glass with his gather.

 

  Blowing a bubble is a lot easier with gum.

 

We started out making simple cups and bowls, but we are learning to challenge ourselves with fluted bowls, vases, and adding elements of color. Today I made a vase that I sketched out ahead of time -- I hope it looks nice once it's cooled. Stepan's creation was destined to be quite nifty, but just before the piece was finished, he accidentally bumped it against the edge of the glory hole and it broke. We all felt a sense of sadness, but someone in the class had to do it at some point, and we are all grateful to Stepan for being the one to take that step. Despite today's catastrophe, Stepan is becoming quite proficient at glassblowing, and it's fun watching him.