From Fine Art to Glass Blowing
Julie’s artistic journey began in France, where she studied fine art and fell in love with the handmade, soulful elements of architecture and design. This sparked her desire to create things with her own hands, leading her to explore metal, welding, and jewelry making. But it was a chance encounter with glass blowing that truly ignited her passion.
The Art of Glass Blowing: Challenges and Rewards
Glass blowing is a challenging and risky process, with molten glass reaching temperatures over 2,100°F. Julie shares some of the common challenges she faces, including furnace malfunctions, kiln temperature losses, and the delicate process of cutting and polishing the glass. Despite these challenges, Julie’s passion for glass blowing has led her to create stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces that adorn high-end hotels, restaurants, museums, and luxury condos.
Sustainability in Practice
Julie’s commitment to sustainability is evident in her own eco-conscious home, where she uses minimal electricity and utilities. She incorporates her award-winning lighting designs into her personal living space, “walking the walk” of her brand. Her new series of lighting fixtures made from 100% recycled post-consumer glass is a testament to her dedication to reducing waste and promoting eco-friendliness.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Julie is passionate about passing down her knowledge and techniques to the next generation of glass artists. She emphasizes the importance of owning up to mistakes, having difficult conversations diplomatically, and not being afraid to experiment and fail in the creative process. By sharing her expertise, she hopes to inspire and empower young artists to pursue their dreams.
Feeding Creativity
Julie believes that being present, observant, and open to inspiration from the world around her is essential to feeding her creativity. She encourages a balance of consumption and creation, cautioning against over-consumption of digital media. By embracing this approach, Julie finds inspiration in architecture, nature, music, and even trying new things.
Upcoming Events: Venice Design Week
Julie has been invited to showcase her designs at the upcoming Venice Design Week, where she’ll also perform a live glass-blowing demonstration with one of her Murano teachers. This is a unique opportunity to experience the art of glass blowing firsthand and witness Julie’s mastery of the craft.
Links:
https://illuminataglass.com/
Topics discussed:
1. Julie Conway’s Background- Her experience in glassblowing for over 26 years- Specializing in creating bespoke illuminated chandeliers, lighting components, and a ready-made lighting line- Her new series made from 100% recycled reclaimed post-consumer glass
2. How Julie Got into Glassblowing- Her initial interest in art and fine art museums- Discovering the handmade elements in France and being inspired to create something with her hands- Starting in metal, welding, and jewelry before being introduced to glassblowing
3. Julie’s Business and Clientele- Her three main pillars: hospitality, interior designers, and architects- Creating statement lighting and architectural moments for hotels, bars, museums, and high-end condos- Her own eco-conscious home and the use of her own products
4. Challenges in Glassblowing- The risks and dangers involved in the process- Potential issues with equipment, shipping, and handling the fragile glass
5. Achievements and Milestones- Being invited to work in Murano, Venice, as a glassblowing maestri assistant- Being invited to showcase her designs at the upcoming Venice Design Week
6. Mentoring and Lessons Learned- Importance of owning mistakes and finding diplomatic ways to address issues- Encouraging young artists to experiment and not be afraid of failure- Feeding creativity through various means, such as journaling, experiencing art, and being observant
7. A Typical Day and Connecting with Julie- The lack of a typical day due to the diverse nature of her work- Encouraging people to visit her website and social media channels to learn more