Glen has a deep rooted appreciation for glass art starting with the glass figurines he received as a child and continues today, following the works of modern glass masters such as Lino Tagliapietra and David Patchen. Though his own art is more influenced by philosophical concepts, from Plato in search of the absolute truth, to Heidegger’s analysis of Dasein & wonder. With this perspective, Glen respects the glass as a being of sublime energy, one to harness and master which results in works that highlight the intrinsic capabilities of what glass wants to be.
His formal training in glassblowing began at Dragon Fire Glass Studio in San Antonio, TX, in the 2000’s, where he quickly advanced to teaching classes as well, but his artistic expression developed long before that through drawing and calligraphy, hand-crafted candles, and even dabbling in industrial sculpture. Following his training, he worked as a production assistant at Garcia Art Glass before setting out to build his brand at Caliente Hot Glass studio where he is also the resident artist and instructor.
Glen Andrews II Artist Statement
Growing up, I wanted to be a fireman, that is, until I realized I had to put out the fires. I’ve always been drawn to the deep baritone resonance of a roaring flame, mesmerized by the primal energy and force that fire emanates. I find this same grounding connection when working with glass.
As a material, molten glass embodies such raw energy that it creates its own light and requires so much focus that the rest of the world melts away. When I’m blowing glass, it becomes a meditative experience, a relationship between me and the glass.
In many ways, the glass is my muse and I am a vehicle for the creation of the art. My art is deeply tied to respecting and understanding the glass, I strive to work in harmony with the glass, to guide it on its own metamorphosis into tangible expressions of grace and unrestrained beauty. I pay homage to the glass by capturing my awestruck appreciation for the medium, creating art that is introspective and inspires wonder.
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