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..........
