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Saturday, January 30, 2010

Paradise Glass Blowers






http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

I was walking along the beach when I saw the Surfers Paradise Beachside Markets, at the Esplanade, at Surfers Paradise.

What had attracted me to this stall was many many years ago, when I was a student at Auckland University, I sometimes went to this International market in an arcade at Queen Street, an artist was using his mouth and blew into a tiny knob of soft glass into a burner, and slowly his magic turned to be a beautiful vase. I was fascinated and used to stand for hours looking at him, and never buying as I was a poor student.

Forward to 2010, This artist was using a gas torch, but he still fascinated me. I decided to buy some as gifts. I bought a glass kangaroo for the water engineer, an echidna for G and D. When I saw another customer buy a piano, I changed my mind and bought a grand piano for D. http://annkschin.blogspot.com/2010/01/music-box-dancer-by-frank-mills.html
As I paid for my gift, we chatted. The woman told me she was from Christchurch New Zealand. Her name is Karin, the artist is Graham. They have been established since 1987.

The market operates every Wednesday and Friday night from 5.30 pm to 10 pm if you like to view and buy his craft.

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Very talented. I'd imagine it's hard work facing the torch all day.

Eden said...

Those are lovely souvenirs. Very creative.

eileeninmd said...

They are very pretty souvenirs, Ann. It would be ncie to have such a talent. Great shots and thanks for sharing your scenic Sunday.

cat said...

Nice photos of interesting craftmanship:)

Anonymous said...

He is amazing, and very creative! This is one of the fascinating artworks that I like, but have no idea on..

Great pictures, Ann!

cat said...

Hi Ann the pictures you saw on my blog are not the ones I have used in Scenic Sunday. Two were taken before the snow came and one os taken late last summer.

Unknown said...

What fun to watch! The results are always so light and delicate...and I see you couldn't resist purchasing some. Very cool.

Ah Ngao said...

these glass blower are very skillful in the way that,their timing and speed is very precise.,a bit slow,you get the thing out of shape.

Kim, USA said...

I've seen a glass blower made a vase and it blows me away. I could say you have to have a skill and heart to make those beautiful pieces. Great shot here thanks for sharing!


Frozen delight

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Ann, I love watching the glassblowers at work also. We visited them in Jamestown (Virginia) once--and I blogged about it. SO fascinating!!!! Thanks for sharing.

You asked about SUET. I buy ours in little 'already-made' cakes. My birds love the peanut kind. Don't know if you can get them down there or not, but I buy mine at Walmart and/or Lowe's.

Hugs,
Betsy

Rune Eide said...

I have watched glass blower practising their art, and it is an amazing experience. You have caught it very well.

Thank you for the comment, I'm sorry I have to admit that your story of news is new to me.

Cheryl said...

I think I could stand there all day and watch the glassblowers work their magic!

Tammie Lee said...

I have always enjoyed watching glass art! It seems amazing that folks can take something hard, melt it and turn it into art! Fun to see this Ann.