When we look at a beautiful artisan product, quite often we are unaware of the beauty that takes place as the makers create their craft. I had the chance to witness Isaac and Steve of Monmouth Glass Studio, in the act of blowing glass earlier this month and the experience has certainly left an impression. I’ve long admired blown glass, but I was quite taken back by the surreal experience of watching this ancient craft.
If you live in New Zealand and read interior magazines, then I’m sure you’ve heard of Monmouth Glass Studio. This past year, in particular they’ve received huge exposure for their Twist Lamp, but it was when I attended a “meet the maker” event at Tessuti last month, that I saw a lot more of what these guys make, including some exquisite art pieces. Lucky for me, they agreed for me to visit them in their studio and document them in action.
The day that I was there, they were making a commissioned order of pendant bulbs for an exciting new line of Douglas and Bec lamps (here and here). The furnace made the heat in the studio quite intense, but somehow it didn’t bother me so much as I watched mesmerised, as Isaac and Steve set to work blowing glass.
Isaac studied a bachelor of fine arts in Illinois with painting as his major and glass as one of his electives. He was so fascinated by the subject that he continued with it for two years. After graduating, he moved to California and called every glass studio to volunteer. He then took more classes on the craft at a university, and eventually became a tutor there. He came to New Zealand to visit family and was offered a job De Flute Glass in Rotorua. He’s been here ever since. That was 2007.
Steve began his career as a ceramist after completing a diploma in craft design in the early nineties and was quick to receive critical recognition for his work. Not long after he was offered a job at a glassblowing studio and worked there for thirteen years. He then went solo, renting space. He’s been glass blowing for over twenty years and is now regarded as one of New Zealand’s most multi-talented and original glass artists.
The two joined talents about three years ago when Isaac was assisting renowned glass artist, Peter Viesnik in his studio while Steve was renting space. After missing out on an opportunity to purchase a studio together, they took a small business course and brainstormed how they could run one. At the same time they were commissioned to do the lighting installation at Ortalana in Britomart and they realized that they needed to start a company to represent their collaborative work. Monmouth Glass Studio was born and a year later, they purchased the studio from Peter, who now rents from them, one day a week.
Their workload is a combination of standing orders of their more functional and best selling products like the pendant lamps and tumblers, commissioned work from designers and architects, and then there is the art pieces and bespoke work that people like you and I can commission them to make. Giving you any ideas there? I’m certainly tempted.
Watching them both work together was fascinating. They barely spoke, yet there was this innate communication happening between them. They each knew exactly what they had to do to assist the other, nothing said, it was truly the dance of glass blowing.
At the moment their work is only available in New Zealand, but I’m sure that will soon change. They also have plans to make a complete line of homewares in the future.
Thanks for having me Steve and Isaac; it was such a pleasure to witness your incredible craftsmanship.
Monmouth Glass Studio retails at Tessuti, Yoyo Furniture and The Clever Design Store.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Mel x
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Thanks for the post. These guys are my heroes! Beautiful works come from beutiful souls. Thes guys are the epitome of hot glass art. As a current student I aspire to reach a measure of their talent and admire their tenacity and humility.
Thanks for visiting Cally and well said, they are not only exceptional talent but the nicest guys. It was a pleasure to spend a morning with them. M :)
Really beautiful in every sense. Very much enjoyed reading this Mel and your photos are great.
Thank you for sharing xx
Thanks Tina, big hugs to you xx
Love seeing artisans at work, wonderful article! xx
Kind of magic. Thanks Yvonne x M
Glassblowing is exquisite performance art, and these guys are masters. The added bonus is that as well as being really fascinating to watch while they’re making, the end product is remarkable too. Thanks for a great post.
Their end work is certainly remarkable, absolutely beautiful! Thanks for visiting Stuart:)
fabulous post Mel-so well written and I love your photos! Have a wonderful weekend! Xx
Thanks Caroline, it was such an easy subject. Loved being there and watching it. xx