Gregory Hoff
"Art is life, and life is art. I've always found purpose in the creation and enjoyment of beauty. Glass is one of my favorite mediums to work in because of its natural allure and versatility. I'm also endlessly fascinated by the science and history of glass making. My goal with glass art is to leave the viewer with a renewed sense of appreciation for this magical material."
Melting glass in the flame is an intimate and intense experience that requires patience, balance and rhythm. The reward for practice is an understanding of a material that has limitless possibilities of form, color and pattern. Greg says the inspiration for his work comes from the natural world that surrounds us, and our brief time in it. Fragility expressed in a timeless material. Glass can be delicate, yet easily last thousands of years. Greg also finds inspiration from humanities history with glass and the ways it has shaped our present lives. Today, glass is so necessary and common that it can be taken for granted. With art, the wonder of the unique can point us back to the wonder in every day.
Greg practices a type of glass work known as flameworking to create a wide variety of glass sculptures and jewelry. This branch of glass making involves manipulating borosilicate glass tubes and rods in front of an oxygen and propane torch at temperatures exceeding 2500°. Each glass design has its own process and story. When making a Betta bowl ornament, he starts by sculpting the betta fish from solid rods of colored glass. Next, he blows out a bubble of clear glass and opens it up to resemble a wine glass shape. Lastly, he welds the fish securely in the bowl and carefully closes and seals the openings. Each step requires a steady hand and perfect timing. A scientific process with a magical result.
Gregory Hoff has been happily creating glass art since 1998, when he was introduced to the craft while living in Boulder, Colorado. Mostly self taught, Greg has benefited enormously from taking classes, attending glass conferences and trading techniques with fellow glass artists. In the years since beginning this journey, Greg has become known for his intricate sculptures and bead designs. Greg has traveled across the United States and Canada, teaching the art of flameworking and showing his work. Part of his joy comes from sharing the fascinating world of glass with others; from demonstrations on the street, to working with students in schools. Greg had the pleasure of teaching workshops two years in a row at the Montreal school of glass, Espace Verre. He has also taught at the Bemis School, at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, and is currently enjoying teaching a regular series of workshops at the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach, AL.
Melting glass in the flame is an intimate and intense experience that requires patience, balance and rhythm. The reward for practice is an understanding of a material that has limitless possibilities of form, color and pattern. Greg says the inspiration for his work comes from the natural world that surrounds us, and our brief time in it. Fragility expressed in a timeless material. Glass can be delicate, yet easily last thousands of years. Greg also finds inspiration from humanities history with glass and the ways it has shaped our present lives. Today, glass is so necessary and common that it can be taken for granted. With art, the wonder of the unique can point us back to the wonder in every day.
Greg practices a type of glass work known as flameworking to create a wide variety of glass sculptures and jewelry. This branch of glass making involves manipulating borosilicate glass tubes and rods in front of an oxygen and propane torch at temperatures exceeding 2500°. Each glass design has its own process and story. When making a Betta bowl ornament, he starts by sculpting the betta fish from solid rods of colored glass. Next, he blows out a bubble of clear glass and opens it up to resemble a wine glass shape. Lastly, he welds the fish securely in the bowl and carefully closes and seals the openings. Each step requires a steady hand and perfect timing. A scientific process with a magical result.
Gregory Hoff has been happily creating glass art since 1998, when he was introduced to the craft while living in Boulder, Colorado. Mostly self taught, Greg has benefited enormously from taking classes, attending glass conferences and trading techniques with fellow glass artists. In the years since beginning this journey, Greg has become known for his intricate sculptures and bead designs. Greg has traveled across the United States and Canada, teaching the art of flameworking and showing his work. Part of his joy comes from sharing the fascinating world of glass with others; from demonstrations on the street, to working with students in schools. Greg had the pleasure of teaching workshops two years in a row at the Montreal school of glass, Espace Verre. He has also taught at the Bemis School, at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, and is currently enjoying teaching a regular series of workshops at the Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach, AL.
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