SUCCESS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE FUTURE OF FUNCTIONAL GLASS

by Kimberly Thomas

Success can be measured in many ways. As we mature, our concept of achievement changes. Functional glass makers are feeling this change as they reassess artistic integrity. This is a pivotal moment. The current climate in the field of functional glass could heavily influence its future.

After ten years as a pipemaker, I was stuck. The industry had changed so much. I had no interest in making a trendy, recycler bong in whatever hype color that was fashionable that minute. My sales had slumped and it was a chore to go to the studio. I had to reexamine what a gratifying career would look like and ask myself, why are you still doing this? You don’t even smoke weed. What do you really want? The first answer was freedom. I needed to be able to create the work I wanted to see in the world, on my time, in my unique way.

The second was to win the lottery. Winning the lottery had more to do with luck, but recapturing the passion and excitement I had for making was something I could easily control. I stopped trying to make what would sell and started to dream.

Truth be told, becoming a pipemaker was not something I'd ever wanted, it was what I needed. While the pipe industry is not for everyone, I am grateful my career in glass started there. The pipe industry gave me the platform for the creative expression in glass I was seeking. I had a degree in ceramics and had been working in special effects make up and other artistic fields for years. I needed to experiment and apply the skills I already had to a new medium.

As I talked with colleagues, the general consensus was that many were experiencing the revelation I had.

Functional glass has come a long way in the past decade. This progress has fundamentally changed the way the art world views glass pipes and their makers. More importantly, this popularity and the changing attitude toward functional glass has influenced artistic expression. As the field continues to evolve and as a burgeoning generation of pipe makers become proficient, how will the consummate generation of “heady pipe” makers navigate a new landscape?

As the black sheep of the glass world, pipemakers have always been resourceful and adaptive, however, social media platforms, a capricious market, and an ageless fan base seem to have gradually altered the original intention of the glass pipe artist. Which was to satisfy the creative urge by making beautifully intricate smoking apparatus. The voice of this misunderstood group of makers could be heard through these creations.

What has the functional glass movement contributed to the field of contemporary glass? It’s clear that pipemakers have tested the limits of borosilicate glass. They've pushed technique far beyond what was considered possible. They have opened a portal for a new generation of collectors and art appreciators and have embraced new ways for collectors to connect with the glass world at large. They have turned flameworked “tchotchke” into high ticket works of art. And, they have breathed life into the world of art education by filling classes at premiere craft schools.

As functional glass has become more mainstream through social media, the legalization of cannabis, and new found recognition, the market has changed. And, in turn, has modified the artistic direction of many makers. How will these changes affect the functional glass movement?

Originally, pipemakers were a group of outcasts, shunned and underestimated by institutions and serious art collectors. Likewise, functional glass makers were just as uninterested in them. And, making pipes was illegal. These outsiders were autodidacts who were able to flourish because of the freedom pipe making allowed. This is probably the best thing that could have happened to a group of artists.

Like any serious endeavor, flameworking requires full immersion. Long hours of practice and repetition. And, of course, many failures. The lack of rules, formal instruction, and criticism combined with ambition and a love of making things out of glass was a driving force in the success pipemakers see today. At this time, the field was truly artist driven. They loved what they did, which became a lifestyle. And unknowingly had embraced the concepts behind “Art For Art’s Sake”.

More than a decade later, the field still lacks diversity in terms of gender and race. It has become increasingly industrialized, akin to fast fashion. A popularity contest tempered by the consumer. The movement has plateaued in some respects. This generation of makers has found the sweet spot. An innovative and attractive production piece they can make by the hundreds, in different colors, and sell to adoring fans. No artist is too good for production work, and we all need money. But is this what we set out to do? Perhaps we are resting on our laurels. Hanging out in the dreaded comfort zone, only it’s really not that comfortable.

As we continue to live on earth, our needs as human beings change. We've grown up, started families, sustained injuries, and bought houses. We live in a capitalist society. We will always need to earn a living. However, as we have gotten older, our core customer base has stayed the same age. As we grow as people, our needs as creators have also evolved. Artists are questioning purpose and intention now more than ever.

Making bongs for the 18-35 year-old demographic doesn’t quite hit like it used to. Artists aren't able to enjoy the same freedom of expression they once did. Money has failed to bring them the happiness they thought it would. Though the community remains strong as friends and colleagues, there is a growing disconnect between the consumer and the maker that did not previously exist. A general lack of sophistication and knowledge about how our work is made and its significance is the culprit. This generation of glass makers is searching for fulfillment. Something so many artists have been thinking about, but the topic is never formally addressed.

While burnout and a general sense of malaise plague the scene, pipemakers struggle to reclaim their integrity. And, as the exhaustion of monotony persists, artists have decided to switch axis. Folks are starting to re-evaluate what it means to be an artist, or whether they should be artists at all. Pipe making is merely a means to an end for some, it helps fund other endeavors they would rather pursue. Others are revamping business structures by discontinuing certain products and terminating employees. They are putting their passion for glass first by setting aside production to simply make whatever they want, take classes, and travel to collaborate with other artists and experiment with different mediums. Of course, there is a group that is content to continue on the present course. Then there are the artists who have decided to continue to work in glass, but leave the pipe industry altogether and direct their focus to making fine art, teaching, and other intellectual pursuits. I foresee many pipemakers crossing over to fine arts within the next decade. While a mass exodus is unlikely, most will keep one foot in the pipe making pool, considering a lingering lack of trust between the makers and institutions. Additionally, pipemakers are accustomed to a more informal way of working and handling business. Besides, being a pipemaker is badass.

As the veil continues to thin, pipemakers have become more palatable to institutions. Their works are now included in exhibitions at fine art galleries and live in permanent collections at museums. Consequently, more artists will set their sights on getting work in front of a much broader audience. These growing pains are all part of the natural progression of a movement, however, it doesn’t make it any easier for the ones experiencing it. They’re sensitive artists, after all.

Pipe making has existed in a bubble. Hopefully, it will burst sooner than later. With a change in perspective and self-realization we will see pipemakers reach a whole new level of success that is much closer than they believe. These artists have only gotten better at blowing glass over the last decade. There is no lack of talent amongst them. Following dreams seems unrealistic, especially when there are mortgages to pay and mouths to feed. But, doing hoodrat shit with your friends while making museum quality work is a dream come true! We've already accomplished so much. Let’s bring the magic back. An intentional, collective push to renew autonomy and passion for making would inevitably lead to a drastic elevation of flameworked borosilicate functional and sculptural glass art. The community just needs a little coaxing, encouragement, and support. I’m excited to be dreaming again…and excited for more pipemakers to start dreaming again too.