September brings us a new featured glass artist from the Pacific Northwest. Ehi Spalding.
In 1995, Ehi Spalding met a colorful character in a tuxedo and roller skates. The man was carrying a briefcase full of silver fumed, inside out pipes. Ehi told us “I hadn’t seen anything that beautiful. I bought one and said to myself ‘I have to learn how to make these.’” About 2 years later, in 1997, he started making long-stem roses and Hershey Kiss paperweights.
Ehi began working with his first mentor, David Leonhardt at Fairy Land Glass, before working with Nuzzy Glass after taking some time away. Nuzzy Glass helped inspire Ehi to get the torch he still has today, and get back into glassblowing. The next mentor was Wes Griffiths, also known as Deestrukt, who taught him pipe shaping while helping get Ehi up and running again. Glasshole, the most recent mentor, and Michael Shea have been a large source of inspiration and motivation.
Ehi said he gets a lot of ideas from his wife, a sculpting major, who’s always suggesting new projects. Other inspiration comes from the ocean and customer requests, as they ask for things he would never think of.
Sculpting is a favorite technique of his, and while he struggles with stepping out of his comfort zone, the recent glass coming from Ehi has been awesome! Check out this Elma, WA residents’ tentacle and mermaid pipes for some beautiful beach pieces!
Stop in to Fire and Frost Cannabis in Vancouver, WA this September to save 15% on the entire selection of Ehi’s glass! If you’re out of the area, don’t fret! We can ship glass.
