Tag: Jason Stropko Glass

The Beginning: a trip down memory lane

If all roads lead to Rome, then all great adventures begin in London. And that is exactly where this journey starts.

Botanical tree illustration in charcoal by Jason Stropko

These tree drawings began during my first grey and cold winter in London England in 2009. I went to visit Birgit in the UK, just six months after we met in Venice Italy, to give this international romance a try. Being the young that artist she was at the time, Birgit was living as a “guardian” without tenancy rights, meaning she was not permitted have unattended guests in her apartment. (But the benefit was that her rent was incredibly low.) Long story short: I couldn’t stay at her place during the day while she was away studying on her postgraduate program at Goldsmiths University.

When she left the flat in the morning I, too, set out but not to the comfort of a heated space. I packed my bag with a thermos of hot tea, some flapjacks (let me know in comments if you would like the recipe), a folding stool, my drawing supplies and many layers of clothes. It was a rare winter in which it snowed in London and the snow actually stuck. For the first time in about 10 years it snowed so much that the city just about came to a standstill because the British don’t know what to do if it really snows. You might think England would get more snow being so far north but the warm, salty ocean currents bring warm and salty air to the country, creating a climate with little snow fall. Being from Ohio the snow didn’t bother me and I spent many long days drawing in some of London’s parks. The following images are of trees drawn in the parks & outdoors in London.

Details of Botanical Illustrations in Charcoal by Jason Stropko

I already had some sense of the city having visited Birgit in London months earlier in August, shortly after we first met in Venice in Italy. What struck me was the abundance of parks and green spaces in this vast world city. I formed my regular routines, as one does, and slowly became friends with the cold and a companion to the trees I was drawing.

There is something very special about drawing in nature, even in the cold of winter. Staying in the same spot for an extended period of time had an effect on me and the way I was seeing the landscape, the trees and their textured details. Much to my relief I also took photographs to draw from in the warmth of the apartment when Birgit was at home.

Here are a few drawings made from my photographs in the comfort of a warm space. This is when I started to experiment more with different perspectives and would go for evening walks to photograph in the more dramatic, contrastive lighting provided by the street lamps. 

Botanical Illustrations in Charcoal by Jason Stropko

Looking back I can’t believe I stayed outside for as long as I did in the dead of winter! I think I earned my fish and chips at the time. 

My takeaway from this experience is this: There is not always a right time or a good time to start something. All that matters is that you start and sometimes we all need that little push to get us going. Birgit’s rental situation certainly provided a push.

Is there something you are procrastinating with? What was it that gave you that little momentum to get an action or project rolling? I’d love to hear how you overcame those hurdles in the comments below.

– Jason

For purchase inquiries, please write to me via my website contact form, or send a DM on Instagram & Facebook.

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Modern design with Melanie Abrantes

Melanie and I met in person to discuss her designs, dimensions and color questions. After explaining my glass making process and color applications, Melanie set off to the glass color shop to look at sample colors. Our next meeting was in the hot glass studio, my office, where I would shape Melanies designs into life. 

I have had the good fortune of working with studios in California, Ohio, England and Italy, often filling the role of head maker or head gaffer. As head gaffer my job is to make the studios designs, ideas and product line to specific dimensions and color requirements, often with a team of assistants. This can be a very demanding role and requires in-depth knowledge of each aspect of the glass making process from start to finish. Throughout the years and thousands of hours in such possitions I have honed my skills and abilities to be able to make work for designers like Melanie. 

When looking at Melanie’s Marais Vases it is important to understand and appreciate the level of craftsmanship that went into each piece. Each piece embodies the culmination of Melanie’s experience wood turning, her growing designs and my 16+ years of experience making glass and my ability to listen and understand what Melanie is trying to convey and achieve. The Marais Vases are a brilliant example of what can happen when experienced makers come together to create something beyond their own capabilities. 

MARAIS_Group_4

 

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Christmas Ornaments by the hands of an Artist

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jasonstropko
Jason Stropko’s Aquatic Safari vase & lampshade (you choose, which)
and for good measure a close up of the vessel
Beautiful vase / lampshade : made by Jason Stropko

 

Jason Stropko Glass

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Jason Stropko: The start of another glass piece

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Sharing a teaser of Jason Stropko’s incredible glass work

We are sitting in the office, editing photographs of Jason’s work and it’s just too exciting to not share this single teaser image of an upcoming bigger post with a range of incredible vessels made by Jason..

Shaping vessels like this and creating snug fitting lids requires high technical skills that take time, focus and deep passion for the medium to develop. One of our biggest wishes is to develop a whole exhibition full of lidded vessels like this one, in a range of voluptuous shapes, with elegant pointed lids.

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New photographs will appear on this page as soon as Birgit get through the edits..

Sorry, this really was a teaser!

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(Last but not least!!! Custom modification requests to a custom made vessel are ALWAYS welcome, shapes, colours, opacity, translucency, shape, voluptuousness, execution: your vision is our command! Make a drawing and share your ideas with us on Jason’s Facebook wall! What would you like to see!?!? If you would like to order a piece please use the contact tab on this website and we can take it from there. Looking forward to hearing from you!)

 

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Feedback for Jason Stropko’s Glassblowing Classes and his qualities as instructor (click to continue reading)

Chad
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2:
Amazing experience learning how to blow glass with Jason. He is a great teacher. Glass blowing is very nuanced and Jason was patient with us the entire time. We had plenty of time to make two pieces each and he made sure we were able to fully execute our visions and they turned out great. Would definitely go back for another round!
Sep 11th 16

Christopher
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2:
This class was worth every penny! Glass blowing was something my girlfriend always wanted to try so I took her on a surprise date to Jason’s class. It went SO well.

Jason is friendly, informative and most importantly patient. Jason quickly showed us an example of what we would be doing by quickly creating a glass cup! My girlfriend and I then took turns making 2 small items each! We made a wine glass and a “cappuccino mug” each. Jason gave us the ability to choose our own shapes and colors! He then even gave us a little gift of two ornaments because we had some extra time left over.

We picked up our work a week later from him and couldn’t be happier! They look great!
Sep 5th 16

TAKE A CLASS WITH JASON : FOLLOW THIS LINK for options

Sen-Sei
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2:
After conducting some research and reading other reviews, I decided to try out the “Beginner Glass Blowing for 2” with Jason. What an awesome experience!

First off, Jason is a PRO when it comes to the art of blowing glass. His skill and passion is transparent (no pun intended). Second, it takes a certain personality type with abundant patience to be a good teacher. My wife and I learned a lot to say the least. Finally, the finished product(s) we created actually didn’t suck; Jason assisted me with a wide bottom wine decanter, and my better half crafted some heavy bottom glasses.

When I confirmed my appointment, I gave Jason a heads up what our favorite colors are and when we showed up, he was prepared. The end result was exactly what wanted.

Now I’m not one to write reviews since everyone can have a different experience and/or opinion. All I can say that for the two of us, we were “blown” away.. (pun intended).

Thanks Jason!
Aug 18th 16

Tianyu
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2:
I sooo recommend this over the group class at Public Glass! We had a lot more hands-on time to get a feel for working the glass, and Jason was flexible with his role depending on your experience/comfort level. I loved that he could verbally explain how to improve/correct our technique throughout the process, without taking over himself whenever something went wrong.

Jason was also very committed to making sure we achieved our creative vision. After describing the shapes/colors we wanted, he quickly made some sample orbs with our colors melted in so we could see how they looked and how they’d react with each other. While we were occupied with something more passive, he also taught us a little about the history of glassblowing. Amazing way to spend 3 hours, do it!
Aug 13th 16

Nancy
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason
I loved this class! Jason is a wonderful teacher – guides you and helps when needed and is calm and supportive throughout. You have time to get the feel of it and actually create something beautiful and useful!

You leave really feeling like you accomplished something. I wholeheartedly recommend doing this!
Aug 11th 16

Kathryn
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
What a fun evening! Jason is an extremely welcoming host, patient instructor and skilled artisan. He taught us all about glassblowing and helped us bring our ideas to life. We left with beautiful pieces that we’ll treasure for years – no one will believe we had a hand in their creation. It’s a hands on, creative, safe experience and I’d recommend it to anyone!
Aug 9th 16

Zoë
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
Jason did a great job of explaining the process of blowing glass. He started by making his own and having us watch as he explained the steps involved, which I think is really helpful for beginners! Then we each got to make our own glasses with a lot of help from Jason. He is really thorough and makes sure to answers any questions you may have.
Aug 7th 16

Tammy
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2: Drinking …
We had a great time with Jason! His instructions were clear and easy to follow. He was patient & made the whole experience really fun. I would recommend this class to anyone. Loved our pieces. Between the two of us we made 2 lowball glasses, a terrarium and an ornament.
Aug 2nd 16

Latha
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2: Drinking …
Jason was a great teacher. Me and my husband had a lot of fun during the class. We made two bowls and two glasses. One was a huge ornamental piece an Jason taught us the techniques patiently. He was nice enough to stay back extra 30 minutes to help us complete the glass we were trying to make. I took couple of glass blowing classes and Jason is the best!

I highly recommend his class. He is very responsive and goes out an extra mile to help you! Thanks a lot Jason for good memories!
Aug 1st 16

Penny
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
If I could leave 6 stars I would. This experienced blew us away and completely exceeded my expectations. Jason provided the perfect balance of instruction and hands-on experience. He was extremely attentive, patient, and supportive of our creations. I don’t think there is any other class like this in the Bay Area–especially with the expertise and professionalism of Jason.

I highly recommend Jason for any glass blowing class he offers, at whatever level of skill or interest you have. It is well worth the money.

We now have a two glass wine decanter and lovely bowl to remember this experience!
Jul 22nd 16

Christina
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2: Drinking …
Jason was absolutely awesome! My boyfriend and I were pretty excited to take his class since neither of us had ever blown glass. Jason was an excellent teacher -he did a great job of walking us through the process before we started and he let us be really hands on in making our pieces, while still giving us plenty of guidance. I’d love to take another class with him!
Jun 21st 16

Maria
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
My husband and I had SUCH a great time at this class! Neither of us had blown glass before and didn’t really know anything about the process. We had 4 total people in the class (2 in addition to us) so we each got almost 45 minutes to an hour when working on our item of choice. Jason was such a great teacher, so patient, and gave us plenty of hands on time so you really got to try all the various techniques, but was also ready to swoop in and help to make sure you’d ultimately still be happy with your final product. Highly recommend this class, we have been talking about it to all our friends and coworkers for over a week since we took the class!
Jun 20th 16

Anna
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
Jason’s glass was the best Verlocal experience I’ve had thus far (and my boyfriend and I have taken MANY Verlocal classes). He allowed both of us to get lots of hands-on experiences as each of us made our own glass pieces, patiently answered all of my questions about the glass blowing process and even met me the next week in SF to give me our completed glass pieces once they had cooled!

We are looking forward to taking more classes from Jason and strongly recommend you take his class(es), too!
Jun 17th 16

Celestial
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2: Drinking …
So much fun! Jason was friendly, patient, and a great instructor. The private session was perfect for hands-on learning: no standing around waiting for a turn. We made a couple of Christmas ornaments and a drinking glass . They came out great! Perfect for a unique date-night, or anyone curious about blowing glass.
Dec 15th 15

Raquel
Class: Beginner Glass Blowing for 2: Drinking …
What an amazing experience! Jason is a phenomenal teacher – he was such a joy to learn with. My boyfriend and I had never blown glass before, and we really enjoyed it. It was such an interesting process – I love that we got to have creative freedom, and Jason really helped us bring our ideas to life. We made a pretty sweet bowl and vase. This is the perfect date night or gift!
Nov 19th 15

Ellen
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
Hands down one of the best classes that I have ever taken.. Jason is an excellent teacher … very clear, concise and very, very patient!I learned so much about the process which gave me a greater appreciation of the art of glass blowing. I did not realize that there was not only a process but also a ‘dance’ to making objects. This class exceeded all of my expectations and went by too quickly. I really hope I have another chance to take a class from Jason. I highly recommend this class to everyone.
Oct 23rd 15

Lindsey
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
Jason is an incredible teacher!! I had such a blast at class; by far, it definitely exceeded my expectations. The time flew by – plus I gained a greater understanding and appreciation of this craft. I didn’t realize how detailed the process is and learned so much. I HIGHLY recommend this to class. : )
Oct 6th 15

Alejandro
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
This was my first time at a class for glass making and I must say it was amazing. Jason has the confidence, patience and expertise to show you the basics and then progressing with more elaborate designs if you are up for the challenge. As a beginners class we got to do so much and is really hands on. He will show you how to really get in and shine while creating your design. Very happy with this class, thankful and definitively will be visiting the studio more often to sharpen up my craft.
Oct 1st 15

Sarah
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason – Profess…
Had a great time with Jason! He was a very good instructor. He tailored our class to exactly what we wanted to do and learn. I would definitely continue and take future classes with Jason.
Sep 26th 15

Kacey
Class: Learn to Blow Glass with Jason
Jason’s Studio is really cool, I felt like I was getting a sneak peak at all his upcoming works! I’ll definitely be back =]
Sep 4th 15

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Here something very special! Courtesy of the team from Verlocal & Jason’s students!!!

A recent glassblowing Class with Jason Stropko in – wide view!

We have been super happy to be working with Verlocal and offering Glassblowing Classes trough their website. Verlocal is kind of like an Airbnb but for experiences. So you can go to their site, check out what’s on offer in your city and book yourself an extraordinary afternoon! – At the moment it is only for major cities in America, but if it takes off then anywhere you live can take part!

Working with the video team the other day was excellent fun. We are super grateful that Verlocal decided to support our glassblowing classes and career in the Bay Area with such a huge gesture of appreciation. We couldn’t be happier!

Our experience with Verlocal has been very good. Transactions are transparent, with the site handling the money it gives reassurance to potential students / customers / clients and offers protections both ways. The Verlocal Team have been unfailingly supportive and really on the ball, always making sure that customers and we the hosts (we: Jason the glassmaker and instructor & Birgit being the invisible admin on Jason’s team, making a lot of this happen)  are always up to date and that nobody falls off the communication wagon.

Verlocal do take 15% of transactions which is a little bit of a chunk but we can honestly say are delighted to be on board. The site has brought us students that we otherwise might not have had. We have been very happy so far and look forward to continuing our work with Verlocal in the coming year.

We are now taking a little break from teaching classes in the Bay Area for the duration of the typical low season for crafts of all types January – April. So we will be back in time for everybody to wake from their winter slumber, offering even more classes than before!

We haven’t got a fixed date for our spring term start but keep connected, here on Jason’s blog as well as on Facebook!

You ask what will the glassmaker do in those winter months..?

Follow us and we will show and tell.. It will be good!

 

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Christmas Glass Sale

see the flyer here: 2015_Jason_Christmas_flyer_4

Jason’s Christmas Glass Sale :

{for Friends and Colleagues}

Saturday 5th December @ Jason’s Tai Chi Studio only ! Call Jason for details 510 375 8487.

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A range of nuts and seeds that will look just perfect in windows displays, as part of table arrangements, nestled among gifts under the Christmas tree, in your bowl of ready to be cracked walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds..

www.jasonstropko.wordpress.com

 

christmas ornament

 

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A unique solid clear glass acorn

.. the acorn is shown photographed from the same angle but with slight changes in the light direction.. DSC_8050

This particular acorn is currently unique in Jason’s collection because of the way that the acorn cap was created. Every time Jason is in the studio we try and experiment with one thing so expand the overall range. We haven’t made more of this one yet, so in case you love it: it is here and has no twins and might never have any, but it fits really well with all the other acorns and nuts and seeds… DSC_8068

Yes, sorry, I am getting a little bit ‘salesy’, its coming up to that time of year and Jason is coming to spend Christmas in Germany & England, he might depart as early as December 15th, so we are ‘laying our eggs’, ready to hatch as early as we can this year..

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We imagine these seeds to look just fantastic in window displays, on table settings, anywhere where light reflects, at Thanksgiving dinner tables or displays. The symbolism of acorns is reflective of the symbolism of Oak trees, their strength and the characteristics of prosperity and wisdom. Seeds in general are great symbolic gifts for anybody who is planting seeds in life, starting something new, beginning a journey of education, career or health… Glass like this acorn is a really good gift idea for minimalists as well as those people who love to populate their home with treasures and objects of desire..DSC_8115

We will upload more pictures of acorns in the coming weeks. Keep your eyes on Jason’s blog.

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Quick survey for Friends of Jason…

you know that you get amazing discounts on any prices that we post, right? Right?https://www.etsy.com/shop/jasonstropko

www.etsy.com/shop/jasonstropko
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jasonstropko

Just make sure to play your friends & family card and don’t forget to flutter eyelashes (that goes for both male and female friends, as there we have one male and one female running this glass adventure – flutterings always welcome)

www.etsy.com/shop/jasonstropko
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jasonstropko

It is just important that we post life sustaining prices for those people who are not (yet) our friends and family. Because who would want to get stuck living in an RV motorhome, right?

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