BLOG – 35 YEARS AGO BLOG 22

You would have thought that after thirty-five years in the business of selling glass objects that I might know a thing or too. That is true but I never have felt confident in knowing how the market operates. It is the predictable nature of the uncertainty in who will buy and perhaps more important when this person will?

Initially Glass Creations was et up to sell unique glassware to visitors to the area as a reminder of their time here. As well as this and certainly of equal importance is local customers who were looking for something different, something special that could not be bought anywhere else and customised with a personal message. I thought I was selling things. Actually, I never sold much, that was Maureen’s job. I just made the stuff.

I realised one day as my customer explained that when they are buying from me, they are buying a piece of me, my history, and views on life. They wanted to know the story behind the glass I had created so they could tell their friends and especially if the piece was a gift, then they could explain to the friend who received said gift all about my work.

It was vital that people appreciated my work being made just by me and in my glass studio. Even better if they wated me make the item they were buying but rarely could this happen since everything I make is annealed in a kiln overnight. Sometimes people would come back the next day and by then the glass would be (hopefully) stress free.

I used to offer glassblowing demonstrations with audience participation from the start in 1990. Usually these were to groups but occasionally I had a visit from eager tourists who really wanted to sample the life of a glass artist. I didn’t think much about it until recently when I became involved in holding glassblowing workshops and taster sessions. I now realise I can make more money teaching how to make a puffin than to actually sell one! Tis easy!!!!!!!