A Glass Blower’s Companion with Jason Michael -Helping Today's Glass Artist Think Like an Artistic Entrepreneur – Details, episodes & analysis

                     GBC Ep.30-Burt Murphy: Selling through Amazon

     For many glass artsit's 2020 creating an unexpected uptick in sales as the 2020 pandemic slowly brought retailers to a hault. For many, this dream slowly turned into a finacial nightmare as covid restrictions beagn to ease and reatilers opened their doors again to the public. While todays market place looks alot different then it did pre-pandemic ,new avenues have become available due to the push for online sales but the current state of the economy has caused budgets to become tighter and disposable income allocated to other financial responsibilities.

     However for many consumers new habits were created now having the ability to order anything online and have it delivered same day in some cases. This includes glass art. Now you may be wondringing what this has to do with glass art sales, so in todays episode my guest Burt Murphy, will reinfiore the the importance of differentiating your lines of work but also the outlets at which you sell them.

Burt Murphy links :

Burt's TIKTOK

Burt"s Instagram

Burts's Amazon Store

GBC Ep. 20- Quinn: Create, Hustle, and Save for the Future

"Quinn is a glassblower from Asheville, NC.  He has worked in nearly every aspect of the industry, from collector, to distribution, to managing a retail store.  Quinn works mainly with frit, using it as a basis for both production work and the occasional heady. "

Find Quinn on Instagram @TLKQ

Have any questions or just wanna say HELLO? find me on Instagram
@jmichaelglass or @Glassblowerscompanion or EMAIL

WANNA JOIN A DRAMA FREE GROUP OF GLASS ARTISTS AND GAIN ACCESS TO EXCLUSIVE CONTENT PLUS ONE-ON-ONE COACHING AND LESSONS????  COME JOIN THE FUN ON PATREON... JOIN TODAY

Episode 161- Chris Aus (Oz) Owner of Sunsi Glass        Hey there!!!! Thanks a ton for tuning into this episode featuring Chris Aus of Sunsi Glass.  We had a great conversation regarding his past and present career as a pipe maker and glass artist.   After being away for so long Chris had to decide how to make his comeback and so far he's been quite successful at it.  Through his social media presence his tribe has begun to grow and become a loyal and dedicated group of fans of personality and work.    Don't forget to check out the first students to take the leap of faith and help get the WyzGuy Institute off the ground.  With out them the next chapter of this brand wouldn't be possible.  @dobbie_wan_glass @gizmoglass @note_glass    Trailer for J.D.Maplesden's "Vagabong" https://vimeo.com/187236089          St. Paul, Minnesota-based Chris Aus (Sunsi Glass) began glassblowing in 1998 and quickly earned a reputation for quality, innovative functional glass in the Midwest. After building a successful wholesale/retail business during a tumultuous time for glass artists, Chris walked away from the craft in 2005. In July 2016, Chris returned to the torch - after more than a decade away from the industry - motivated to push his skill set and incorporate classic techniques (line work, foldovers, fuming) into a new era of functional glass art. Chris is currently a glassblowing instructor at Legacy Glass in Minneapolis, MN and has a number of projects in the works. You can connect with Chris/Sunsi Glass the following ways: www.sunsiglass.com Instagram @sunsiglass sunsiglass@gmail.com    

160- Nathan Belmont    Finding His Voice in Glass Through Traveling

Continuing the May Theme of Lifestyle Design

You can find Nathan on Instagram @nbelm 

Originally from Albuquerque NM, Nathan moved to Maui at the age of six and spent most of his life there. Visual art has always been something He's emersed himself in. Drawing, sculpting, and tinkering were strong passions of growing up. He felt chalaged to create beautiful things out of shit laying around.

In 2004 He had the opportunity to start a somewhat formal glass apprenticeship at a studio/gallery on Maui. He was there for about 7 years studying under artists Sean Price, Jupiter Nielsen learning how to sculpt solid Boro glass. With great teachers and a fun working environment Nathan was able to learn a lot. He's been an independent glass artist for the last 7 years, and has no plans on quiting any time soon.

 

 

Cone follow us on instsgram

@wyzguy_radio

@jmichaelglass 

Episode 159- Luke The Drifter Living the Dream

Hey how are you? This episode kicks off our month of May episodes themed around living the life you've always wanted to live. Depending on your personality, living the life style as a glass artist opens up opportunity to travel. This includes RVing across the Continental US, traveling through Countires around the world and visiting many studios in the process.

In this episode Luke discusses his humble beginning's and his journey over the last decade and more as a traveling glass artist. We bicker about how things used to be and how things are now. Reminiscing on days of old as well as discussing how much the industry has changed in the last decade.

Thanks again to Baddaskat for the bumper music the song is called "False Clouds" and can be found along with other tracks at www.baddaskat.com

You can find all current podcasts at http://www.wyzguymedia.com/wyzguyradio/

 Find Luke on Instagram.com/_luke_the_drifter

thanks to all our sponsors 

www.mountianglass.com

www.theflowmagazine.com

www.glassrootstradeshow.com

www.americanhelix.com

 

 

Episode 158- Chris Piazza Part Deux

 

Chris and I sit down and talk about his experience selling at his first visit to a trade show, Glass Roots Madison. Chris unexpectedly took in a bigger sum of orders then planned and had to scramble to figure out the best way to manufacture the orders and have them shipped in a timely manner..We cover all of this and much, much, more.

 

Live streaming kit.   https://kit.com/JMichael

Sponsors:

www.mounaintglass.com

www.glassrootsartshow.com

www.theflowmagazine.com

www.americanhelix.com

www.zenglass.com

Episode 156- Why, What, and How? Three questions to ask yourself regarding your motivation to be a glass artist.

These three questions are important to ask yourself when finding your way during the journey as a glass artist. With many obsticals that can hinder ones growth as an artist it's important to keep these questions in mind.

Why are you a glass artist?

What drives your willingness to pursue a career filled not only with a ton of joy but also Heart ache?

How will you overcome these obsticals while finding your voice in this creative outlet?

The answers to these questions will change through time but it's important to understand the overall foundation and meaning to why you want to be a glass artist.

If you'd like to share your answers I would
Love to hear from you.
Send them to
Wyzguymedia@gmail.com

Hey there. Thanks for tuning in. Today's episode features a great friend and mentor of mine Dan Witmer. Dan is co-founder of a growing community called Zen Dude Fitness where they teach how to get healthy both physically and mentally through proper nutrition and jump rope fitness. This group has been the catalyst of getting me to where I am today in both a mental space and physically. Since Feb of 2016 I've lost 30lbs and changed the way I perceive fitness and mindset. Even though there are still daily struggles personally I've found that a quick 20-minute jumprope workout get my
Blood pumping, gets my brain focused and drives me through the rest of the day. When I don't get a workout in Innotoce a huge difference in my mental space. This is where Dan comes in. He has his own struggles with social anxiety, depression and A.D.D. related issues. We discuss his beginnings and what got him into this fitness space. This is also a third take on the recording as we have had some crazy technical issues. But that's neither here nor there. Really hope you enjoy this discussion and if you're insured to want to join the community you can dig up for a free 4-week challenge at www.zenddudefitness.com. Also follow Dan on Instagram @dwitmer & @zendudefitness as well as their ever growing YouTube channel Zen Dude Fitness where they have hours of free workouts.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYew1VwdbpHnSFG-CQ1A-A

https://www.zendudefitness.com

 

contact me at wyzguymedia@gmail.com

Episode 154-So You Wanna Be a GlassBlower?? Just don't Jump in Head First 

So you want to be a glass blower?

This is something I've heard over and over for years from many folks. The biggest question is how does one get started?

With the ever growing popularity of this genre of art many schools have begun to pick up and teach classes in the area of glassblowing. Whether it's in the furnace or a torch or both there are several schools that specifically cater to the glass artist and have programs for the glass artist such as Penland, Salem, and Pilchuck to name a few. With that being said 99% of those that want to be a glassblower don't necessarily want to go to school so here's what I recommend.

For starters do some research. Google terms like glass art, glass blowing, or flame work and you'll find many videos and websites pertaining to this topic. The only problem is the majority of the sites only really talk about or show you videos of techniques. My goal with this episode is to talk to you about how to get started by sharing why you need to make sure you have a good foundation regarding technique as well as the proper equipment set up and whether or not you should seek an apprenticeship or keep it simple and just make it a hobby . But first here's a Public Service announcement from our favorite humble Pirate The Goblin King aka Chris Dickey..

"Here is a solid piece of advise,free,from me to you:
Blowing glass.....it's not for everyone. Sure anyone can sit an try to blow glass but ask your self a few questions before you decide this for your life......
. How well do you handle rejection?
. Do you like doing the same thing over an over and over again?
. How much do you like money?
.can you afford to make little to no money for years at a time to learn?
. Are you persistent or are you easily discouraged?
.do you have friends/family to support you those nights without heat Or food?
. How strong is your constitution?
. Is this just to be flamous?

Cause I can tell you for a fact:
. Even when you make solid prodo....you'll have a hard time selling it
. To learn this takes YEARS of repetition
. Say goodbye to LOOT until you learn to communicate fluently with your medium( could take 8-10 years)
. If you don't have a nest egg or a rich mom an dad,acquiring all the tools and required materials.....a extensive job on its own.....
. You will not do it your first time or first day or first try so persistence is KEY
. I can say if it weren't for my friends and family I wouldn't be this far
. You need to say " I'm gonna do this" and fucking mean it whole heartedly with every fiber of your being (if your constitution is weak you will quit and would have wasted everything listed above)
. The leaders of the community aren't here cause they were all over some other guys nuts in hopes a tv camera would be in their face..........

So if your cool being poor for a while and doin nothing but melting glass and eating Mac and cheese and eggs everyday ( with no guarante of success) then maybe this is the life is for you
To be fair there are percs to the job..... im my boss, my job is to create a piece people cherish,no applications, no drug test,no alarm clocks and your free be who you be ect....
Next time you feel like someone's price or value of their work "is too high", do me a favor lay on your side and shove that opinion up your ass......
P.S. If you choose to ride the fire with us,I hope we melt together one day.:)"

Determining whether this medium is something that you will want to pursue as a hobby or a potential full time career won't be possible until you get your hands dirty first. There are many studios that can help you with this experience whether it's a group activity or individual lesson. Look in your area for open studio nights where a lamp working studio or hotshop offers an "Experience". This is the ideal way to see if working with hot molten glass is for you. Now if your listening to this I can presume that you have either already tried this medium or maybe been at it for years but with that being said this information is viable for anyone who has wanted to test the waters or has already jumped in feet first...Hopefully you didn't jump in head first(metaphorically speaking ) as this can lead to many issues immediately or even down the road.

Once you get the opportunity to melt glass for he first time you will feel a sense of excitement and maybe even catch the "glass bug". This medium is easy to fall in love with just don't get too excited. The first few times will feel intimidating but as your understanding for the power of 3000 plus degrees and how the equipment works increases, the feeling of intimidation will begin to turn into excitement and confidence. Just don't let the ego step in quite yet. It takes hours of practice and repetition learning the simplest techniques and processes. Just finetune these stages and slowly progress from one step to the next. Remember this is a marathon....not a sprint.

Once you feel you are at a point where making a simple round marvel is second nature it'll be time to begin trying to manipulate the glass into common shapes like a fish or small bird. Once again do some research and find simple shapes in nature that you gravitate towards and pick 3 for starters. This will give you a good starting point just make sure you pick three items that have similarieites but also differences. Making a seahorse can be similar to making a swan. But making a butterfly and then trying to make an elephant can be daunting as they are completely different shapes. Think of progressive steps and how they relate to the different regencies you are trying to allly to your glass. The Swan in my opinion is a great place to start.

 

Next we will discuss the concepts of what heatbase is, how to tell when the glass is evenly heated, pulling stringers and points...... until next time Happy Melting, Stay Hydrated, and don't forget to take breaks periodically Your body will thank you!!!!!

Five ways to get yourself set up on a budget under $1000

In my opinion this is the smartest way to start

 

 Starter Kit #100. $549.00

National 6B Oxy/Gas bench torch with stand and barbed fittings

* National OX-5 Single Hole Tip
* Oxygen Regulator
* Fuel Gas Regulator
* 1/4 " x 25' T-Grade Oxy/Fuel Hose
* Oxygen and Fuel Gas Flashback Arrestors
* Tungsten Carbide Scoring Blade
* Wheeled Glass Nippers
* 2" x 3" Graphite Paddle
* 1/4" Graphite Rod
* 1/2" Graphite Rod
* Set of 6", 8", & 12" Tweezers
* Wire Grabbers - These large holding fingers (6 wires) open to approximately 4" and close down to grasp objects as small as 4mm. Lightweight, easy to handle, 1 foot long with locking setscrew.
* Phillips ACE202 Glasses
* Shade 3 Plastic Clip-Ons (reduces bright sodium flare and invisible infrared rays)
* This kit price includes a 5% discount over list prices
*
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