{The Hot Glass Roadshow from the Corning Museum of Glass in NY is in town as a special community treat to celebrate the UW-SP Homecoming. Tiny Dancer and I sat in on one of their nightly sessions. They made a wine glass - which I completely missed the end part of, a wavy light blue bowl, and a faithful replica of a walleye that will be auctioned at the CNR Fall Migration event (of which I am no longer making that pendant from the tiles... more on that another time)}
I see... molten honey dripping from rods... tiny dots of colorful frit as they are rolled onto the honey balls... the gooey balloon expand as she blows on the pipe... the skillfully choreographed pas de deux of the glass artists as they quickly spin the glass and time the transfers just right...
I hear... the hush falling over the crowd immersed in the wonders before them... the witty and engaging host detailing every step... the soft 'clink' of the glass pieces as they fall to the ground after being snipped and carved away... the protests of my flash as it locks on and I shut it down to have the natural light... Tiny Dancer say, 'I like being with you' which warms my heart more than that blinding furnace...
I taste... anticipation in the air... the salty peanut of Tiny Dancer's trail mix... the dry mouth of thirst triggered from seeing the glowing eye of the furnaces...
I smell... the fresh fall breeze blowing through the courtyard where we are gathered... cigarette smoke from the man to my left... the hot flames in the 2000 degree ovens each time they open the door...
I touch... my camera to my face anticipating the shot... smooth blue swirls of the wavy bowl made earlier today... the losing raffle ticket for the still warm glass pumpkin...
I feel... very fortunate to live in a city that appreciates the art... joy in the beauty of manipulating something out of nothing... inspired to look into a lampwork glass bead class (and found out that our University does offer that!).
What is coming to your senses today?
Enjoy the day!
