People Feel That Vibration When A Glass Artist Does The Work For Themselves | feat. Bluegrass Glass

Matt Robertson chats with Bluegrass Glass, a renowned glass artist who's carved out a unique path between art, music, and farming. 

 

They dive deep into his transformative journey from scientific glass work in New Jersey to creating iconic lamp-inspired pieces in Arkansas. Discover how he transitioned from a bustling glass studio to working solo on a 13-acre farm, balancing artistic creation with family life and musical passion. Hear fascinating stories about busking with his eight-year-old son, exploring bluegrass music, and the spiritual connection he feels with glass as a medium.

 

Also in this episode:  

• Creative Pivot: Bluegrass Glass transitioned from a busy glass studio to working solo on a 13-acre farm in Arkansas, finding more personal fulfillment and creative freedom in the process.
• Artistic Innovation: He developed his signature "lamp" glass pieces, navigating a potential legal challenge from the Lava Lamp company while maintaining his unique artistic vision.
• Family and Passion: Bluegrass Glass balances his art with family life, including teaching his 8-year-old son banjo and performing together at local farmers markets.
• Diversifying Skills: Beyond glassblowing, he's embraced farming, learning new skills like building structures, raising livestock, and becoming more self-sufficient.
• Musical Inspiration: His love for bluegrass music, particularly traditional styles, deeply influences his creative approach and personal philosophy.
• Mental Health and Creativity: He openly discusses overcoming periods of isolation and depression by focusing on personal growth, meditation, and staying true to his artistic vision.
• Continuous Learning: Bluegrass Glass emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable, experimenting with new techniques (like working with Electrum glass), and not getting stuck in repetitive production.

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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 pipe