Allison Hill

I started lampworking in 2005 apprenticing under Amir Shawn. I had experimented with glass before but not borosilicate. I had never even really heard of glassblowing on a torch. The first thing I tried was a mushroom pendant and I was hooked. Although I was discouraged so many times, I've kept it up.  Its still challenging all the time but also invigorating.

I feel very blessed to have Amir as a teacher. I get to watch him anytime I want to figure something out and he makes it look so easy! Pilchuck Glass School was also an amazing teacher. When I spent most of the summer there in 2006 I worked in the kitchen and I was also given the opportunity to stain Chihuly's old wood cabin. The whole summer was mind blowing.  I met so many awesome people and was able to see so many incredible things in nature and in glass! Everywhere you look is an inspiration and other people who love art. I cannot wait for the opportunity to go back. Someday I want to take a class there.

The most excellent teacher of all has been the glass itself. If you want to work with glass you have to learn to be patient, steady handed, and gentle, but you also have to take control, and put in the time. Flame working has taught me a lot but its also really helped me to appreciate life and express myself in a completely new and passionate way.

Recently I’ve tried making little bottles, or little jars. I've  been experimenting with sculpting fish too, which is really fun and I definately want to do more of!

My goal for 2008 is to concentrate on sculpting and creating more blown objects. Most of the stuff I am comfortable with making at this point is not exactly blown. So as I work on learning and creating new things I will post them up! Thanks for reading :)