Why did you choose glassblowing?
It is such a difficult thing to do well with all the blood, sweat and tears that come with learning about glass; being a masochist, it suits me perfectly! I simply love making things. After all this time, it is a dedicated obsession.
What do you love most about it?
I love the overwhelming feeling of exhaustion after a really, really, good day of glassmaking, the camaraderie between glassblowers, anticipating and hoping that everything comes out of the kiln as it went in. Oh, and of course, the cold beer!
© Alun Callender
What is your advice to anyone who wants get into glassblowing?
You need to be dedicated, as it is a lifestyle not a job. Try to take a year to work in a studio, then finish your degree. Also, start applying for jobs at least six months before the degree course finishes. At the beginning it is who you know, not what you know.
What is your studio like?
It is a very old, black feather-boarded barn situated in our back garden and a garage. It was specifically designed and renovated, and contains my furnace room, cold finishing room, gallery, office, kitchen and packing room. It is clean, neat, tidy and quiet.