Matt Robertson is joined by Big Z, a veteran glass artist, to reflect on his 20-year journey in the industry, and how his mindset has shifted through the ups and downs of glass blowing.
He shares how he got started, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, and the impact of the pandemic on the glass community. Big Z emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal growth and health during market downturns. He offers advice for new glass blowers, highlighting the value of branding and maintaining a side job. Big Z also discusses the evolving role of social media and his plans to explore new creative avenues, including a collaborative piece with Matt.
Also in this episode:
- Big Z has been blowing glass for over 20 years, starting in the early 2000s after an injury ended his college football career.
- The glass industry has been a "roller coaster ride" with booms and busts, including a surge in sales during the pandemic.
- Big Z emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal health and well-being, rather than just chasing sales and money.
- For new glass blowers, Big Z advises having a side job to pay the bills while building a brand and audience through social media.
- Collaborating with other artists in person is highly valuable for Big Z, allowing more creative freedom compared to remote collaborations.
- Big Z is exploring new creative directions, including a piece with the host featuring a giraffe riding a rocket, as he adapts to the changing market.
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About Matt Roberston
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.
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