Pilchuck Glass School's 36th Annual Auction

It was a Poleturner reunion this past weekend!...Myself and fellow Poleturner friends met up in Seattle, Washington to attend Pilchuck Glass School’s Annual Auction Gala.

Silly photo fun with these lovely glassblowers

Held at The Westin Hotel, each table setting featured blown glass centrepieces that I helped create this past summer.  An absolute pleasure being part of such a successful event! 

2014 centerpiece design

The fundraising gala was attended by over 700 patrons, artists, and community leaders.  In it's 36th year, the event featured more than 350 artworks, and raised over $300 000 in support of the school’s dynamic educational programs.

 

Scott and I perusing the art

Let the live auction begin!

The evening was filled with incredible glass art, delicious food and drinks, the company of lovely friends, and donations from generous supporters.  Highlights also included a photo op with the one and only Dale Chihuly!  Talk about a fulfilling evening :)   


With Mr. Chihuly

(All photos courtesy of Pilchuck Glass School)

Sasamat Creative

I experienced one of those 'small-world' coincidences this past month when I randomly ran into one of my previous glass professors!  It's been a few years since those Art School days in Calgary, so it was great to bump into each other and catch up!

Robert Geyer also now resides in Vancouver, and has opened a studio called Sasamat Creative, with partner Rena-Li Kuhrt.

Crystal Wonderland by Sasamat Creative

Their hand blown pendant series, Crystal Wonderland, is created by blowing hot glass into metal forms derived from folded paper sculptures.  The glass is then filled and illuminated with neon gas.

Interacting with 'Crystal Wonderland'

These glass objects are wonderfully interactive and unlike any lighting I've seen before!  The neon gas interior responds to touch, creating an unexpected sensory-based visual experience.  It was really  fascinating to play around with these.

Slinky pendant by Sasamat Creative

Similarly, the pendant entitled 'Slinky', is formed by blowing molten glass inside the coils of metal slinky toys.  These unique, organic volumes are also then filled and illuminated with neon gas.  Much like the toy it is formed from, the Slinky Pendant light is designed to be fun and interactive!

(All photos by Eric Saczuk, and courtesy of Sasamat Creative)

Blowing glass for Bocci Design

When I was offered a glassblowing position for Bocci Design & Manufacturing house I jumped on the opportunity.  In a matter of just a couple short weeks, I packed my little car and drove myself cross-province.  It's been 2 years since that move to Vancouver.

The Hotshop, located in this garage-like space in the parking lot of an old printing building

It's here, hidden behind rows of potted bamboo, that myself alongside 5 other full-time glass artists work to create Bocci's high-end glass products.  Fascinating to think that delicate, beautiful art is arduously produced in such a unsuspecting, industrial space.  Action shots below picture me making 2 of the main products - 28 series and 38 series. 

28 Series (Photos by Gwenael Lewis.  Right photo as published in Gray Magazine)

38 Series (Left photo by Gwenael Lewis.  Right by Cailey Buye)

Glassblowing is one of my greatest passions, and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to make a living doing such a unique craft!  It's been an excellent past two years at Bocci, filled with valuable experiences and knowledge gained.  Close friendships were made with many laughs and silly, fun times had :) 

Fun with co-workers, 2012-2014 (Photos by Cailey Buye)

With that said, all good things must come to an end to make way for beautiful new beginnings.  It's time for a new chapter in my life!  I have returned to school to pursue my interests in interior design and architecture. 

2014 Poleturners Union, Local 1201

My first Pilchuck experience!  Until now I had only heard tales of its' epic-ness...and the stories they told were fitting, dreams really do come true here...

Pilchuck Glass School is an international centre for glass art education.  The serene campus in Stanwood, Washington, is nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Cascade mountains on a former tree farm. 

For three weeks each summer a juried group of glass artists from around the world, fondly known as the Poleturners, donate their time to create centerpieces for Pilchuck's Annual Auction Gala.  Consisting of a Centerpiece Designer, Project Manager, Lead Gaffers and 25 Poleturners, the group works together to produce, finish and pack approx. 110 auction pieces within a short timeframe.  With this common goal in mind, production quickly heats up and the entire team puts in dedicated efforts to carry out this vision.  Glassblowers of the world unite, share skills, gain new knowledge, and most of all have fun experiencing the incredibly cooperative spirit that is ever-present at Pilchuck!

I am thrilled, honored, and humbled to be part of such a talented community of glass artists :)

2014 Poleturners (Photo by Alec Miller)

The Hotshop (Photo by Alec Miller)

2014 Centerpiece Designer - Scott Benefield (Photo by Alec Miller)

Cailey Buye assisted by Alex Cannon (Photo by Alec Miller)

Our brilliant dinner view! (Left photo by: Cailey Buye. Right by: Rachel Escoe) 

The group watching a sunset from Inspiration Point (Photo by KT Hancock)

Making of Bocci's 57 Series

Making 57's for Bocci!  The grey exterior of this newest chandelier has a moody, rain cloud feel to it when unlit.  Once illuminated, however, the piece comes alive to reveal an entire internal universe of air pockets.  Designed to hang in horizontal clusters from a flexible suspension system, the reference to a cloudy sky becomes even further evident. 

Check out the making of 57's in this mesmerizing video by Gwenael Lewis, featuring none other than myself :) 

 

I had a fantastic time being filmed in the studio by Gwenael; such a talented director and warm-hearted guy!  Plus it's great to change pace now and then and get away from usual production mode.