Matt Robertson chats with Andrew Morris (AKM), a legendary glass artist known for his intricate skull-themed pipes and innovative glassblowing techniques. He explains that if you want this life, you need to work harder than everyone else and why you need to put in the hours.
Andrew takes us through his journey from a weekend glass class in high school to becoming a respected artist in the pipe-making world. We dive deep into his creative process, discuss the challenges of being a professional artist, and hear an incredible story about an explosive glass pipe cleaning mishap that could have been catastrophic. With insights into competition preparation, bonsai gardening, and the evolution of glass art, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in art, creativity, and the passion behind craftsmanship.
Also in this episode:
- From Hobby to Career: Andrew discovered glass blowing in a high school weekend class and turned his passion into a full-time career, graduating from VCU’s glass program in 2005.
- Skull Artistry: Skulls have been a consistent theme in Andrew’s work, inspired by 80s rock and roll culture, and have become a signature element of his glass pieces.
- Competition Preparation is Key: Andrew approaches glass blowing competitions like an athlete, emphasizing thorough preparation, timing, and creating pieces that stand out through size, speed, and creativity.
- Diversifying Skills: Beyond glass blowing, Andrew enjoys hobbies like hunting, mountain biking, and bonsai gardening, which help him stay creative and balanced.
- Safety First: Andrew shared a dramatic story about a near-catastrophic glass cleaning incident, warning artists about the dangers of using compressed air with ISO alcohol.
- Artistic Evolution: Continuously improving technique and functionality is crucial. Andrew focuses on creating pieces that are both artistically impressive and functionally sound.
- Business and Art Balance: Working with a business partner and being strategic about marketing and sales has been key to Andrew’s success in the competitive glass art world.
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About Matt Robertson
Matt Robertson is a visionary artist who has made a significant mark in the glass art world with his unique matte-finished caricature sculptures, each reflecting pivotal moments from his life. His playful spirit shines through in his whimsical glass animal sculptures, often depicted in humorous scenarios that embody his vibrant personality. Inspired by creatures like giraffes, Robertson is captivated by the challenges of working with glass, a delicate medium that demands intense focus and energy, which he channels into his art. Each piece captures a dynamic energy, freezing it in time and offering a glimpse into his imaginative universe. After discovering his passion for glassblowing at Sheridan College in Ontario, he honed his craft in Eugene, Oregon, before returning to Canada to co-founded the Edy Roy Glass Gallery, a pioneering space that merges high art with functional glass pipes. Now based in Evergreen, Colorado, Robertson continues to evolve as a glass artist while hosting “The Robertson Stash” podcast and showcasing his work in galleries worldwide, all while advocating for contemporary glass art and its vibrant possibilities.
