The Fire Continuum

inToledo  |  04/24/2009 8:00 am

What is it about glass art that makes otherwise temperate people say to themselves, "I want to do that!" The idea of taking a lump of glowing, molten glass, twisting it, twirling it, breathing life into it until you have an object of cool color and transparency seems able to grab our imaginations and not let go.

Glassblowing is a glass forming technique that was invented by the Phoenicians in approximately 50 B.C. This it has been ever since, an unbroken chain of glass blowers passing their craft and art from generation to generation.

"Hot glass is kind of like a fraternity or a club," said Matt Paskiet, owner of Fire Nation Glass Studio and Gallery. The Holland, Ohio glass studio offers regular classes to hot glass newbies and those with intermediate skills. "It was shared with me. This is my way of giving back and being a part of that continuum of glass. When I watch people learn to handle glass, you can almost see their chests puff out with pride, as if to say, ‘I made this.'"

Fire Nation offers beginning glass blowing courses throughout the year. One 4-week course, taught by Fire Nation glass blowing assistant Brian Strancar, was attended by Tami Kubiak, Barbara Bockbrader and Mitch Siebenaler. "My husband gave me the class for Christmas," said Kubiak. "I was inspired by the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion."

"Classes are a good way for people to get in front of the materials," said Paskiet. "It's challenging, but a lot of people get bitten by the bug. It's free flowing, spontaneous and tactile, and it tests your skills and dexterity. They come to realize some difficult-looking things may not be so difficult. It's also dangerous, and the classes lessen the fear factor."

Paskiet began his own journey along the continuum in 1993 with a class at the Toledo Museum of Art. "The day I graduated from Bowling Green State University, I took the class at the museum and never looked back," he said. "I may not have a lot of material wealth, but I have sanity and joy in my life. It's a daily reawakening. After 15 years, I still feel like a novice; I'm just coming into my own. I'm learning new techniques, new forms and shapes. I'm indebted to those who helped me get here. The only way I can pay that debt is by sharing with others."

You can check out the Fire Nation class schedule by going to the web site at www.firenation.com.