The Artand Craft of Glassblowing

You wonder to yourself and ask, "Is glass blowing an art or is it a craft?" Where does the line cross between either the art or craft of this ancient practice? Depending upon what the artist considers themselves to be in this tradition of glassblowing depends if they think of themselves as an artist or what they are doing, just a hobby of sorts. The bottom line, does it matter given such an exact science of glassblowing. Still, there are some who are deep into the practice that they still debate the issue of craft versus art at its finest. After all, the glass blower must possess an artist's eye for the clever and unique and sculpture their work accordingly.

An artist must be able to manipulate the glass into a work of artistry, sculpting and maneuvering the glass into a single finished product.

Any glass blower says that it is all in the perfection of the technique to end up with a decorative object worthy of mention. An artist argues that it takes a high level of perfectionism and skill to make a piece of glass perfect it in any design, form, and style desired. An artist goes far beyond a mere occasional hobby or craft of glassblowing.

Can you compare a hobby to a more in-depth process of glassblowing, driving the artist to extreme measures in creating and designing a perfect glass product through great skill and technical abilities?

Every glass blower is an artist possessing their particular technique and individualized craftsmanship, taking ownership for a unique label on their glass products.

Glassblowing is an ancient art and not especially an ancient craft; there is a difference. The glass blower can create many ordinary objects out of the glass while many people sit in awe of how they were able to accomplish such a marvelous feat.

The glass blower must be familiar with the danger of blowing glass as they must work close to hot furnaces and fire well over 2000 degrees. The artist must be keenly aware of the process of glass blowing and the equipment needed, successfully creating unusual glass objects. Additionally, the artist must know how to use this equipment and expertly rein in on the exact process to beautifully create objects of interest.

Glass blowing is not an art that one can take up in their living room or basement