Imagine dropping out of highschool at 16 and pursuing glass blowing. At such a age when the train ride of life has yet to clip a ticket- you have made the choice. Taking the steps into the studio where you'll spend the next two years as an apprentice learning the trade, growing your knowledge and shattering through the growing pains of life. Meet Chris Drags, this was his start to the career he loves and enjoys today. A downtown studio in Seattle is where he got his feet wet, or should we say his molton spark?
After 2 years of free work he was hired on a production team he worked a few more years with. Have you heard oulf Pikes Place Market? It's in downtown Seattle, founded in 1907! It's a true community staple, Chris had a friend who had a booth! They teamed up and for the next few years he'd blow glass & they would sell them at the market! Experience was gained, as Chris would than run his own studio for 5 years, during which tour bus operations, providing classes to artists, a store front the whole 9, till he managed to craft a routine that allows him to do things from home full time! Success comes down to the ability to go with the flow, accept change and continue forward.
Chris's ability to stay dedicated from an early age has paid him off and his craft is one to be awwed. In his own words, dedication is key to success!
When you do something for decades I believe you have to love it!! I asked him what his mindset was like, if this was something he did in a therapeutic manner or if this was like a mission where every detail needed his attention
Chris-
"I have two different mindsets and approaches. One is production work and mindset and other is art mindset and in the early years of learning every was super focused in the moment but as the years progress and I find things becoming second nature and going through the rhythm and techniques I've done thousands of time my mind is able to wonder into the abyss while working... but.. keep in mind glass blowing can be dangerous working with fire and molten material so very much need to be always in the moment.. that's what I like about it the most. It teaches you to be here now and work in the moment with the material"
6 words-
"In the moment with the material." That's the peak of beauty with glass blowing in my opinion. Your dealing with raw alpha Omega materials. In natire- with no help from man-
Sand can sometimes become heated in rapid manners and the silica when rapidly cooked will turn to glass. This tends to happen more when volcano magma exposes to the surface and air cools the rock! The magma bubblea bursting act like hot glass in mid air and burns anything it touches.
Chris has shown discipline through the years, learning speeds, twists, tool operations and trades that come together to form daily routines that produce the very glass your wax sizzles in as you inhale! We must respect those with the crafts to deliver high quality works of art with multi function!
The industry doesn't and will never have a cap on creative glass blowers. You're reading this article for a reason, undoubtedly because you enjoy working with glass, using glass, or you have a family member/friend who does! When you hit the bong next time, perhaps you'll think about your glass blowers. Are you buying mass made cheap bongs from over seas or , are you putting you hard earned cash towards durable locally made and hand crafted magic?
I started Stewart's Passion because my passion is Cannabis, when passion is involved, there's no explanation needed. It's just that evident. Glass blowing is a skill that enhances the culture in a huge way. Bong Collections can get serious! Acquiring certain glass pieces can get costly, I'm talking Time, heart ache, and then cash. Perhaps some do strive to become that artist, the once in a decade glass piece can set one apart from the crowd indeed. It is about where the glass magicians heart lies I'd say!
Check Chris Drags Glass Instagram and see for yourself the world of glass creations and colorful tools of cannabis!
Of course if you really like the blogs be sure ROCK THE MERCH!!
Chris thank you for your time, your insight and quick reply, absolutely love your energy and glass work- much respect!