Good afternoon,

Image edits are coming along slow and steady. I really want to make sure the process illustrations come across as clear and accurate as possible. It is quite the undertaking of re-editing each individual illustration, but I've been having fun working through explanations with three different views at the bench as well as translating motion in the images.

I am predicting about 750 process illustrations upon completion. 

The past few days have been dedicated to the different techniques of making holes in blown glass objects. Of course, there are many aesthetic, functional, sculptural, and problem solving reasons to make holes. The following are select example images of a few processes: the jack line and bonk, tweezer spring, and spot heat and blow. Next, I will be editing the tungsten section.

From my own experience, I learned these techniques during my second semester of glassblowing at Illinois State. Even though I didn't full comprehend some of the techniques at the time (because of my skill level), the knowledge stuck with me and made much more sense with practice and experience. This section will be another invaluable tool in the back pocket of the next generation of aspiring glassblowers.

Follow me on Instagram: @ciezkiglass
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I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!
Happy New Year,
Steve

Gooooood evening!

I'm settled back in Cal City after a cross country drive from Arizona to Illinois. My visit in Colorado Springs with my bro, his wife and my 5 month old niece was amazing. I went snowboarding on the Rockies for the first time at Copper Mountain. What an incredible experience.  Then, I did a quick stop at Illinois State to reconnect with my old professor John Miller.

Today was the first day I picked up on the book after travelling. The text and illustrations will continue to get edited over the next 5 months. I am hoping for a May 2017 release.

My book tour plans for the middle to end of 2017 are already in the works. Things are coming along!

I redrew the illustrations for a jackline. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Steve

Hey!

I'm in the process of moving from Phoenix, AZ back to my home town Cal City, IL. I will stop in Colorado Spring along the way to visit my niece! It'll be wonderful to see my family this Christmas. Can't wait!!

The plan is to refine the text and images for the book one last time, send it out for a couple more peer reviews, self-publish, order a large print run, and drive around the country to studios and universities on a book tour the middle to end of 2017. Give a shout and I'll put you on my list of destinations. I plan to travel coast to coast as well as a stop at the GAS Conference. 

My most recent chapter, which I have overlooked for a considerable amount of time, is heating in the glory hole. I'm explaining spot heating (hiding the piece next to the door) and faded heat. Here's a few images that'll be contained in the chapter.

I always love feedback! Thank you to the few of you who sent messages.

Enjoy your weekend!
Steve

Good afternoon!

I am proud to announce that I am one of two recipients of the Creative Fellowship at Canberra Glassworks in Kingston, Australia January-June 2018!!

Here's a link to the announcement on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/canberraglassworks/posts/1014527878656515

​This opportunity will provide continued development of my "Speaker Tower" and "Sweet Spot" series as well as research, experience, and observation for my second book: Advanced Glassblowing Techniques.
I can't wait to personally share my first book with the glass community in Australia!


The Intermediate book is coming along. My wait list is growing. I am blown away by the amount of support and kind words I have been receiving from all over the world.

One of the most recent chapters was dedicated to all things torches! Enjoy!

Follow me on Instagram: @ciezkiglass
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Thanks for reading,
​Steve