{The Hot Glass Roadshow from the Corning Museum of Glass in NY is in town as a special community treat to celebrate the UW-SP Homecoming. Tiny Dancer and I sat in on one of their nightly sessions. They made a wine glass - which I completely missed the end part of, a wavy light blue bowl, and a faithful replica of a walleye that will be auctioned at the CNR Fall Migration event (of which I am no longer making that pendant from the tiles... more on that another time)}
I see... molten honey dripping from rods... tiny dots of colorful frit as they are rolled onto the honey balls... the gooey balloon expand as she blows on the pipe... the skillfully choreographed pas de deux of the glass artists as they quickly spin the glass and time the transfers just right...
I hear... the hush falling over the crowd immersed in the wonders before them... the witty and engaging host detailing every step... the soft 'clink' of the glass pieces as they fall to the ground after being snipped and carved away... the protests of my flash as it locks on and I shut it down to have the natural light... Tiny Dancer say, 'I like being with you' which warms my heart more than that blinding furnace...
I taste... anticipation in the air... the salty peanut of Tiny Dancer's trail mix... the dry mouth of thirst triggered from seeing the glowing eye of the furnaces...
I smell... the fresh fall breeze blowing through the courtyard where we are gathered... cigarette smoke from the man to my left... the hot flames in the 2000 degree ovens each time they open the door...
I touch... my camera to my face anticipating the shot... smooth blue swirls of the wavy bowl made earlier today... the losing raffle ticket for the still warm glass pumpkin...
I feel... very fortunate to live in a city that appreciates the art... joy in the beauty of manipulating something out of nothing... inspired to look into a lampwork glass bead class (and found out that our University does offer that!).
What is coming to your senses today?
Enjoy the day!
12 comments:
Oh, these pictures look just amazing. I love watching folks play with fire and glass. It is something I wish I could do. I have such respect for folks who do and can!
Oh Oh Oh I can actually share part of these senses with you! Corning is just an hour or so from here and we visit every couple of years. The last time Shelby and I took a class each where she was able to make a blown glass ornament (it's actually huge) and I was able to mold a hot glass flower! It was awesome and I will never forget the smell of the hot glass oven, the sight of the colored glass melting and blending, or the heat you still felt through the massive gloves I wore while making my flower. Also the joy in my sweet Shelby's eyes as we opened the package when it arrived.
Thanks for bringing that back!
Hugs Always
I'm going to Corning next week!! I'm going to make one of those blown pumpkins, too! I can't wait! Thanks for this wonderful look at the amazing work they do there. :)
And you should definitely try lampworking...it's so much fun!
Nothing beats watching molten glass!
This is so great! It's like performance art! Your photos wonderfully portray your evening ... for a lady who doesn't like fire! :-)
Very cool. We never get cool stuff like this coming through my area - I think my town has no "soul." It's just yuppie deadsville.
Thanks for taking me on this trip with you! You're as good a writer as you are jewelry designer!
THAT would be a lovely thing to see. My whole family would be fascinated. Nicely shared, Erin, thanks!
What's coming to my senses today...
Guitar strings under my fingers earlier, and later on. Having fun learning new chords for my next studio session.
Coffee smell wafting earlier.
Tangy of marina sauce on my tongue later. Wine too!! :)
The hum of the computer's motor.
xoxo
How fun Erin, sounds like a real treat to watch. My senses today? Chew toys squeaking in the background as I'm listening to KPIG, a great radio station, hearing old songs, stirring memories. Great question. Hugs, Riki
Thank you for posting this wonderful piece. Most of them are my friends. The Brunette is my gal Jamie. My boyfriend is also a glassblower through CMOG but wasnt able to make it to Wisconsin! I am glad you enjoyed them. They do such amazing work : )
So cool that you were able to take all those photos! I stink at taking action shots.
I was lucky enough to take a glass blowing class with a man who was roommates with a very young Josh Simpson (if you haven't seen his work, you MUST). It was an amazing class!
Beautiful, Erin. I could feel all of that with you.
I feel and taste and SEE the goodness that is my life. Yes, I'm back and almost whole and out of the woods and I won't ever be taking my sight for granted again.
Erin, I tried voting on your beautiful, exquisite necklace up there, but I didn't see anywhere to vote on the site. any suggestions?
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