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Local Artists Refine the Ancient
Art of Glass Blowing
By
Candace Jones
The process of blowing
glass is extremely tricky. One false move in a series of
sophisticated steps can render imperfections in the final piece of
glass. These graceful pieces are created from a procedure that
requires an artistic flair and a technical understanding of metals,
tools, and machinery.
Grapevine is lucky to
have two gifted artists dedicating their lives to keeping the art
form alive. Housed in a humble warehouse space, David Gappa and
David Elliff work to create beautiful pieces and delight in
educating the public about the ancient art form.
“It took us nine months
to build the machines ourselves, and the tools we order have to be
hand made,” said David Gappa. In fact, there are so few suppliers
for the specialized tools it took him six months to receive the
protective eye wear which shields him from the brightness of the
furnace.
The glass, which can be
purchased in varying forms of powder or blocks to be ground at the
studio, is expensive. Because the base of the colors is rare heavy
metals, i.e. copper for red, cobalt for blue, the heat affects them
differently. Black takes the longest to heat, for example. For
instance, when you see a platter with contrasting colors, imagine
the dexterity required to juggle the varying heating times and
personalities of the metals. The more complex color mixtures
require the aid of a gaffer, a person who continuously assists the
artist.
First the artist uses a
long metal pole to collect melted glass from a furnace heated at
2400 degrees. It resembles a ball of hot glowing honey. The artist
then has the gaffer assist in adding his chosen colors all the while
maintaining the temperature of the piece. The long metal pole the
artist uses is hollow with a tube to blow air into the heated piece
creating a glass balloon. Eventually the end will be cut and flared
to create an opening and the piece at that point resembles a bulbous
vase. The shape is then molded with a block of cherry wood that has
been dipped in water. It’s the same tool that glass artisans have
used for thousands of years.
To create a platter
shaped piece, the artist will quickly spin the pole with the vase
shape at the end, and it gloriously fans out exploding with color.
A warning: witnessing this step can induce goose bumps.
The final step in the
process is to place the piece in a freezer shaped furnace heated at
925 degrees for 12-15 hours.
David Gappa explains,
“The glass has a mind of its own, and you have to be able to change
your concept in a flash to work with it.” He added, “This is the
only art form where you can’t actually touch what you are creating.”
Dan Micka, owner of
Southlake’s Essex Manufacturing, dropped by the studio on a recent
evening to commission what will be his seventh piece. “I found
this place during Grapefest. My daughters and I came by and didn’t
leave for hours. David has such a controlled grace in creating
these pieces. And if you commission a piece he really takes great
pleasure creating exactly what you want.” His favorites are Mr.
Gappa’s celestial pieces that seem to hold miniature galaxies within
the glass.
You can view finished
pieces at the gallery inside of the studio, and the website is being
developed as well. The artists welcome the public to their studio
located at 334 S. Barton just behind Main Street. They have had
groups of Indian Guides, Boy Scouts, and Girls Scouts come out to
learn about the ancient art. “We even encourage people to bring
wine and cheese, and they can sit and watch the whole process,” Mr.
Gappa said.
It is a great
recommendation, as they generously answer all questions as artists
who are truly passionate about their craft.
The reward is seeing
magnificent pieces of art unfold before your eyes.
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