Dan Neff
"My inspiration is twofold; the first is technique-based. Glass is a very technical medium that fulfills my desire to learn, practice and master. The second is my passion to express myself. Without the technical side, I am unable to express myself. Without passion, there is no drive to continue the path towards mastery. Many have said that glass is unmasterable. I face this challenge every day and try to convey this by using techniques that foster a sense of amazement in those who view my art."
Glass is not only a way to express myself but also fulfills my need to work with my hands and to have something to show at the end of a day's work. At a young age I learned the value of mastering a craft from my family, especially my grandfather. After two years of "playing", I gave up my other passions and dedicated every spare moment to mastering lampworking. After learning from over a dozen professional glass artists, I began pursuing grants, art shows and galleries to carry my work.
Starting with sized rods and tubes of different colors, I create my work, by lampworking borosilicate glass, also known as pyrex glass. This form of glassblowing utilizes a torch rather than a furnace and allows for the creation of more intricate work than is typically created from furnace glassblowing. The reduced thermal expansion of pyrex glass allows me create large, intricate sculptures without fear of cracking.
I starting working with glass at age 17 while working as an apprentice for a lampworker. After three years, I began teaching myself with various aids. After finishing my BAS in Environmental Education, I began taking classes from world-renowned glass artists who gave me the foundation for the skill-sets that allow me to express myself artistically. I am continually furthering my knowledge of glass through experience and experimentation and incorporating these discoveries in my work.
Ornament Artist 2013
Glass is not only a way to express myself but also fulfills my need to work with my hands and to have something to show at the end of a day's work. At a young age I learned the value of mastering a craft from my family, especially my grandfather. After two years of "playing", I gave up my other passions and dedicated every spare moment to mastering lampworking. After learning from over a dozen professional glass artists, I began pursuing grants, art shows and galleries to carry my work.
Starting with sized rods and tubes of different colors, I create my work, by lampworking borosilicate glass, also known as pyrex glass. This form of glassblowing utilizes a torch rather than a furnace and allows for the creation of more intricate work than is typically created from furnace glassblowing. The reduced thermal expansion of pyrex glass allows me create large, intricate sculptures without fear of cracking.
I starting working with glass at age 17 while working as an apprentice for a lampworker. After three years, I began teaching myself with various aids. After finishing my BAS in Environmental Education, I began taking classes from world-renowned glass artists who gave me the foundation for the skill-sets that allow me to express myself artistically. I am continually furthering my knowledge of glass through experience and experimentation and incorporating these discoveries in my work.
Ornament Artist 2013
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