Bryce Borkhuis creates one-of-a-kind blown glass works of art, and has created space for other artists to learn and practice this ancient artform.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Bryce Borkhuis and I am one of the owners of Vandalia Glassworks. My business partner and I operate a public glass blowing studio located in South Saint Paul, MN. We currently offer bench time to local glass artists in the metro to create and sell their own work. Along with providing space to those local artists we have recently started focusing more on our own product line.
What was your first memory of making something?
My first memory of making something out of glass was actually at our old location located in the Midway area. I remember watching these artists work with sheer amazement and fluidity and wondering how in the world they weren’t burning themselves. Then it was my turn. Ha. I was tripping over my own two feet trying desperately not to let the glass fall off the end of the blow pipe.
What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
I think my customers love the fact that the piece is 100% made from scratch and no one piece is made to be duplicated. Glass has been around for 1000’s of years and it is often times a forgotten art form lost in history.
Is this a full-time business for you?
This is a full time business for me. Vandalia Glassworks started off more of a hobby, but quickly became something much bigger. I think every maker can relate to that. I think we quickly realized the potential that we had and hope to share the knowledge of glassblowing with everyone willing to listen.
What motivates you to create?
Honestly, I think what motivates me to create is the challenge of working with the medium. Of coarse there are other factors, but the challenge of working with molten glass when temperatures are exceeding 2,000 degrees and using heat and gravity to create specific shapes, is a huge factor. It is also extremely rewarding creating a custom piece for someone’s home and seeing it displayed for the owners or their guests to see.
What are some tips or suggestions you’d like to offer to fellow makers?
Obviously creating and selling your work is important but I think it is crucial to never over extend yourself. When you first start out your general mindset is to make everything for everyone but that adds even more stress to the already stressful job. It’s okay to say no or to extend your timeframe to get jobs done.
Check out more Embellish by Sandra products online, and be sure to stop by their booth at the Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo, November 1-3, 2019 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!
vandaliaglassworks.com/