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An Interview with Knit Glass Guy Chris
How long have you been a glass artist?
I began learning to work with glass 16 years ago. It was my full time occupation within 6 months. I am still constantly learning new things.
I believe you can spend a lifetime as a glass artist, and always be learning new techniques. I still laugh, sometimes, when I get called an artist. With my education background, I always thought of myself as more of a scientific type person, and have to be reminded that much of what I make is actually art.
What made you decide to become a glass artist?
I went to the university first to become an Accountant, then to become a Forest Ranger. I studied mostly Accounting, Biology and the Sciences. A friend was working with glass, and I became fascinated with it. I quickly realized that this was the direction I wanted my life to go in, and all the Business and Science I studied has been a great help in life as a glassworker.
What inspires you and your work?
Everything! I am inspired by everything from a bird in flight, to the cloud formations over the desert I live in. Mostly I am inspired by my Gal, the Kids, and our Dogs.
Where do most of your ideas come from?
Mostly my ideas come from people I meet, from things I see around me, from my dreams at night, from thinking about solutions to problems and sometimes from sudden inexplicable inspirations that pop into my head.
What is your favorite thing to create from glass?
I love getting requests for custom made things that I haven’t made before. I enjoy the challenge. The last one was a glass guitar with a guitar stand, about 8” tall. That was fun to make while my friend, who ordered it, sat next to me and watched. I also really like making Crochet Hooks and Circular Knitting Needles, which are my primary focus now.
What effect has the internet and social media had on your business?
The Internet has definitely helped! Sales are easily done all over the world through my website. It is nice that anyone with a computer can find the website.
Social Media is wonderful! I frequently talk with people on Twitter and Facebook. It is fun to meet new people, and sometimes they want some of my work. So, on those networks, we can discuss what they want, and I can make things special just for them. I really like doing that. Social Media has really helped increase sales in an enjoyable way, while making friends.
Do you find it difficult to balance life and work?
Definitely! With Family and Animals (including dogs, goats, a couple sheep, chickens and a steer) I sometimes get distracted from my work. I think I am easily distracted…hahaha!
Do you have any advice for aspiring glass artists?
My best advice is to practice, practice, practice. Your work will improve every time you melt the glass. Also, find a niche market. Develop things that are unique, so you aren’t competing with all the other glass artists in the world.
I have made so many different things, including replacement winery and brewery parts, figurines, vases, yarn tools, jewelry, perfume bottles, and too many other things to even remember or list!
Make sure you are making things that you have a passion for, so you don’t lose interest in what you are making. If you love the ocean, make things that relate to the ocean. If You love what you do, then You will never get tired of it. Talk to other glass artists, sometimes they may share a few tidbits, or tricks, with you, and most of all, keep learning.