It has been a couple of years since I sent one out and I apologise for my lack of contact but I haven't really had anything to update you on because I've just been trying to claw myself back out of the covid pit.
So what's been going on during covid? Not a whole hell of a lot regarding station glass I have to admit. During the first lockdown I made rainbow hearts which allowed me to pay the bills but now I'm rather sick of the sight of them and I don't want to make any more for a long time.
When things started getting a little bit back to normal I took a hit in the form of my assistant Georgina White taking on a new role at a different glass makers. She left with my blessing although a little earlier than either of us expected.
You would like to Follow her career she has moved to Bristol Blue Glass blowing as a full-time assistant amongst other roles.
So in 2022 I was focusing on trying to make enough stock to keep the shop full whilst also looking for a new assistant. I borrowed two students from De Montfort University during their third year on the glass making course. Although I only had them for a couple of months as they both moved back home after they graduated.
I enjoyed working with them and their enthusiasm and willingness to learn was quite infectious. Georgia Hazel and Jasmine Cayen.
Earlier this year in February I visited Teign Valley Glass based in the House of Marbles in Devon. They run an event called the Melting Pot where several glass blowers get together to demonstrate their work or collaborate or generally just have a fun time playing with glass and experimenting.
Richard Glass runs Teign Valley Glass assisted by the wonderful Imogen McCullen.
I had such a wonderful time that I have been desperate to get back down there but circumstances here have prevented my journey back down as yet.
I will try to add a few pictures from my visit including my failed attempt at one of the lampposts which sits outside of station glass.
Recent developments include a new stockist in Stourbridge and me completing my personal Track Safety Training so I can now legally and safely retrieve things that small children accidentally drop on the train tracks.
In August we had the first International Festival of Glass since Covid hit and some of it was lovely. Seeing all the glassy people you haven't seen for ages, watching demonstrations, buying a few bits at the auction, seeing my friends open up their new gallery/studio, showing some people around who hadn't visited before, watching some new glassmakers networking and thriving, seeing the museum open properly with some great exhibits.
There was also an air of things changing, the price of gas was a frequently discussed topic, there was an electric glory hole being demonstrated which all the glassmakers were eager to try.
There was an overwhelming air of "What the hell are we going to do?" among the artists and the positive people all seemed to have fixed price gas accounts for several years in advance. Some of them are shutting off their furnaces for prolonged periods whilst they figure out what to do. Some are streamling their practices (myself included) and trying to figure out ways of making glass with less gas and electricity.
Just before August I interviewed two lovely ladies who have both since started working at Station Glass.
Rosie Perret and Melissa Keshkinkalich.
Rosie is a DMU graduate who is also currently working at Lumsdale Glass.
Melissa (of Melissa's Melting Pot) is currently taking the evening glassblowing course at Dudley College, alongside teaching lampworking and fusing classes. She began her glass journey at an evening class at Plymouth University alongside training to be a teacher.
They are both enthusiastic and enjoying their training! I am having lots of fun teaching them new techniques as we go along.
The last few months have been a bit of a blur ending with me getting the flu and having to have the end of the year off and missing Christmas all together. It hit me quite badly because of my asthma. (Yes I am an asthmatic glassblower!) I'm slowly recovering in to the new year and we will get back on track again soon!
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