One of a Kind Chicago

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Bryan

I am excited that I will be showing bentbottle: “Everyday glass re-imagined” as part of the Etsy Pavilion at this years One of a Kind Show at the Merchandise Mart. My Booth 8-22EP. I am making lots of new items to debut there; lamps, bowls and unique and quirky tableware all from bottle glass.  I am working up a really cool “in the round” booth display that is in keeping with my “green” line. The show is open to the public and free to attend. More updates to come but plan to stop by and see all the amazing one of a kind work!

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GROUPON offer @ OPAL

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Bryan

Check it out! I am teaching your choice of a fusing workshop or glass mosaic workshop at the Oak Park Art League! The Groupon is HERE!

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NEW BOOK: Sculpture and Design with Recycled Glass

Posted on September 3, 2011 by Bryan

I am honored to have my work included in this first ever, history making book on Recycled Glass Sculpture and Design and help represent what can be done with discarded bottle glass.

RELEASE DATE: October 2011

For more details and to pre-order visit Schiffer Books

Book Description
Forty artists take the raw material of recycled glass and transform it into an astonishingly creative medium for sculpture and design. This “green” book is packed with photos of original recycled glass craft and sculpture representing emerging and established artists from Swaziland to Australia to Canada and the United States, as well as photos of three public art sculptures that tell a story from design to construction to the final installation. This book also provides an overview of the technical issues in working with recycled glass and step-by-step instructions on creating four glass craft and sculpture projects. Also included is an overview of trend setting green companies who are using recycled glass in interior design and decorative and utilitarian products such as tiles, countertops, and drinking vessels. This is a great resource for interior designers, “green” or LEED professionals, homeowners, museums, galleries, art collectors, art educators, artists, and individuals seeking to start a “green” glass business.

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34th Annual Mid America Bonsai Exhibit

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Bryan

Whether or not I have my own bonsai trees on exhibit at this show, its something I look forward to all year. Its so inspiring to see the level these artists achieved with their trees. Such patience and depth of knowledge.  Check out the details on the Midwest Bonsai Society’ facebook event page.  I am planning on registering a couple of my bonsai to be on exhibit and judged during the weekend show. This is the first time I have shown any of my trees like this and realized that it really is another item on my “bucket list”. I am hoping to get a boost from this experience so that my collection can be enhanced and shown in the future even more.

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Future Artifacts – biolum glass jewelry

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Bryan

Deep sea creature pin, c.1999

Jewelry was my first deep exploration with fusing glass. The discovery of dichroic coated glass was the initial spark the led me to the creation of my studio name “biolum”, from bioluminescent. These are the deep sea creatures that sparkle and glow, primordial and space age all at the same time.
I have continued creating glass jewelry of course, branching out in many directions, evolving like any living thing.  I now have a recycled glass jewelry line in my bentbottle etsy shop and have been selling that well lately. Today I launched a jewelry section in my biolum etsy shop.

This feels new and old all at the same time, coming full circle to where my journey with glass began.

My first piece is now posted  and I will be adding jewelry to the shop regularly. Some of it is brand new, some has been in my collection for a while but its all getting a new life as an art glass adornment, a future artifact.

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Custom Projects

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Bryan

I like the challenge of collaborating with someone else on a custom project. Recently I have had several projects go through the studio that originated in my etsy shops online. Today I am shipping out the finished pieces and thought I would share.

Stained Glass Terrarium                                      Sapphire Encrusted Decanter

To see more of my mosaic installations click here.
More images of past projects coming soon.
With 15 years of experience in stained glass design and craftsmanship I have the tools and know how to envision, design and create an art piece just for you, whether its a window panel, mosaic backsplash, lamp or a small gift item. I do custom work in stained glass, modern fused tile lighting, jewelry and mosaic art and welcome the opportunity to be a design resource to interior designers, architects and homeowners seeking contemporary one of a kind glass accessories.
For price quotes and specific details regarding your idea please email me

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Inspiration: Art of Patrick Blanc

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Bryan

I love plants and art and when someone can combine the two as in bonsai, botanic gardens or the incredible work of Patrick Blanc’s vertical gardens I am just amazed and inspired. I am sharing Patrick Blanc’s website as an art piece itself, simply incredible and beautiful! Enjoy!

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Flickr photostream

Posted on June 18, 2011 by Bryan

I have delayed this long enough, so now I have a pro account on flickr and will be uploading bonus “best” images to my photostream. Check it out!

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Upcycle: Wine Bottle Tiles

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Bryan

Fired flat, wine bottles are hand-cut and fire- polished for a rounded finish. Using different parts of the bottle, shapes are precisely repeated and inverted to create an organic and contemporary field of eco-conscious glass tile, perfect for kitchen or bath.
Email for pricing

Available in  Tree Trunk, Curved Subway, Squares Various & Punt (left to right)

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Private Instruction

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Bryan

Exploring Glass
Age Range:  16 and up
$30/hour
Email Bryan to schedule a session!

Explore various glass techniques at your own pace, including stained glass, glass mosaics and kiln worked (fused) glass. You decide what the focus of each session will be. Learn to safely cut and handle glass and work with glass making tools and techniques in Bryan’s studio in Oak Park, IL. Demos and hands on project making are the focus of the sessions. Take home your finished pieces and the knowledge to keep going on your own. Group rates available.

  • Sessions may be scheduled repeatedly for ongoing project assistance.
  • No prior glass working experience required.
  • Some glass and tools are provided.
  • Please wear closed toed shoes to all sessions and bring your own eye protection.
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