Glassblowing

May 11, 2013 12:00

After the boat ride through the Grand Canal, we were given a glass blowing demonstration. A couple of years ago, there was a Chihuly exhibit over at Phipps Conservatory. The exhibition was really cool, but I honestly could not comprehend how those intricate models were created.

Well, today I got a small taste of what happens. It's crazy. Or maybe just the glassmaker that gave us a demo was crazy. I don't know. The glassmaker made two pieces of glass for us: an intricate serving pitcher and a horse. And it all happened under five minutes.

It's over a week since I have seen the demonstration (I know, I know, I'm behind), but I'm still trying to comprehend what went on in there. I suppose in a sense, glassmaking is just like any art – those who truly master the art really become one with it. I'm talking jazzmasters and famous painters. At any rate, the glassmaker created a horse in under two minutes. It was crazy. I think somebody took a video of it – if I get it, I'll definitely post a link.

After the demonstration, we got to explore the glass store. We weren't allowed to take pictures, but there was a lot of cool stuff. There were glasses that were weighted and shaped so they would always land upright no matter how they were placed. Other sets were plated with gold – that is, the gold was somehow embedded in the glass.