Ever wondered how astonishing glass products are made? How are they turned into any kind of shape, size, and pattern with colors and sparkles on them? The technique and process of glass preparation and modification is known as glass blowing.
Glassblowing is a professional art technique of converting an inflating molten glass into a bubble with the use of a blowpipe. The person who carries out this technique is known as the Glassblower or Glassworker. Various types of fascinating products are made from the technique of Glassblowing such as vases, sculptures, chandeliers, bowls, ornaments, lamps, etc.
Essential Qualities of a Glassblower/Glassworker
- 1. Patience– Being patient while working with the hot molten glass and others is crucial or else you might get injured.
- 2. Creativity and Innovative– The Glassworker has to be very creative and innovative with new ideas and creations.
- 3. Physical stamina- It is required to carry out long hours of hectic work with the hot molten glass all around.
- 4. Strong Communication skills- This skill will help you to work efficiently in a team-oriented environment.
- 5. Able to handle pressure– This work has a lot of pressure in carrying out the out so one needs to handle them with more ease.
How to Become a Glassblower?
To become a Glassblower, it is essential to remember and follow the below steps one by one-
- 1. Complete your higher education studies, and get a degree in art and design course from any renowned college or university.
- 2. Learn from online resources on glassblowing techniques and skills.
- 3. Join internships or glassblowing programs for gaining experience.
- 4. Build an impressive professional-like portfolio to drive clients and companies by showcasing your experience and achievements.
- 5. Apply for glassblowing job opportunities in various art studios, production facilities, etc.
Become a Glassblower Abroad
There’s a huge possibility of becoming a successful Glassblower or Glassworker Abroad. Some of the top Schools/Colleges that offer Glassblowing courses Abroad are-
- 1. The California College of Arts, California
- 2. The Appalachian Center for Craft, Tennessee
- 3. The Corning Museum of Glass, New York
- 4. The Salem Community College, New Jersey
- 5. The Royal College of Art, London
- 6. The New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, Fredericton
- 7. The National Art School, Sydney
Advantages and Disadvantages in a Glassblowing Industry
Advantages–
- 1. It’s a creative career path.
- 2. It can be a permanent profession for highly passionate glassblowers.
- 3. The working environment isn’t isolated but in groups, which makes it more fun.
- 4. Professional glassblowers can earn a six-figure salary through their unique talent and work experience.
Disadvantages–
- 1. It requires more physical work for long hours, taking almost a day.
- 2. It’s a dangerous profession working with hot, manipulating tools and machines which can give severe burns and injuries.
- 3. This work requires tools and materials which that can expensive.
FAQs
Q. What is the salary range of a Glassblower?
A. A salary range of a glassblower falls between $25,000 to $55,000.
Q. Are Glassblowers in demand?
A. It is expected that the Glassblowing industry shall hipe up to 1.27% over the next few years very soon.
Q. What are two major types of Glassblowing?
A. The two major types of Glassblowing are mold-blowing and free-blowing.