The Piece du Jour
Memories Set in Glass
Words by Jessi Devenyns Photos by Ashley Haguewood
Despite the hot summer wind and the 2000-degree, ceramic-lined ovens that emanate heat 24/7, Ghost Pepper Glass workshop is surprisingly tolerable. Fans circulate, and both ends of the space are open to keep a constant circulation of air as participants spin an iron rod between their palms.
That’s not to say it doesn’t get sweaty. For those who have never engaged with glass as an artistic medium, it is surprising that, for glassblowers, art is a team effort. Even in Ghost Pepper’s beginner class, creating something as basic as a blown paper weight requires two people: one to blow air into the globe and one to form the emerging object. That team effort though, says Katie Plunkard, one of the three partners at Ghost Pepper, “it’s part of what makes glassblowing such a rewarding medium.”
Katie walks through the artistic process of glassblowing as Lauren Hunt, Katie’s co-partner, expertly makes a blown pony to demonstrate each step. Although it looks about as effortless as writing a cursive “G,” Shara Funari, also a partner, explains that the hand skills required to manipulate glass with such finesse takes years of repetition to develop. As such, she reminds beginners that their first try is probably not going to look exactly like what they are imagining.
But it’s not about the created object; it’s all about the experience. “We want each [object] to have the personality and character of the first time,” smiles Katie. After all, you only get one first. To make sure that the first time is enjoyable, Katie explains that safety is paramount. “We’re like the bumpers at a bowling alley. We make sure you’re safe, [and] we make sure you end up with something.”
That “something” changes every week. In their Taste of Glassblowing beginner course, the piece du jour alternates with the season. Shara explains that this allows “beginners to come in multiple times, experience new techniques, and get a feel for how to control molten glass in a variety of different scenarios.” Only after they make quite a few objects are they allowed to move on to unsupervised private rental of the equipment to make their own work.
Whatever the experience Katie warns, “Our working window is between 1400 and 1600 degrees,” so awareness is key to any project. Awareness, however, does not just mean safety. When working with glass, an artist must take in the moment and remain conscious of the beauty being created from a material that will harden into a solid memory of a particular time, a certain place, and a singular idea.
Taste of Glassblowing
Offered on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-10pm, this event is 20-30 minute time slots where individuals, couples, and groups can come in and each make a unique souvenir with the help of a professional instructor.
Contact
(512) 766-5897
979 Springdale Rd. # 100
ghostpepperglass@gmail.com
