From Vectors to Vases: A Digital Designer's Guide to Glassblowing

Hey there, fellow art aficionados! Hold onto your Wacom tablets because I've got some thrilling news to share. Yours truly, the seasoned digital design guru, has taken a leap into the mesmerizing world of glassblowing! That's right, after 15 years of pixels and vectors, I've decided to shake things up and get my hands (and lungs) dirty with molten glass.

Now, you might be wondering, "Why on earth would a digital design veteran dive headfirst into the fiery furnace of glassblowing?" Well, dear readers, let me tell you—it's been an absolute blast (pun totally intended)! But it's not just about having fun; this journey has been a profound lesson in empathy and creativity.

 It all started on my 40th birthday just a few months ago. Talk about a midlife crisis done right!

Now, you might be scratching your head and thinking, "Glassblowing at 40? Isn't that a bit... unconventional?" Well, my friends, that's precisely the point! This experience has been a powerful reminder that life begins at 40 (or any age, for that matter). It's easy to get stuck in our comfort zones, to believe that our days of exploration and discovery are behind us. But let me tell you—there's magic in embracing the unknown, in taking that leap of faith, no matter how many candles are on your birthday cake.

As someone who's been in the digital design game for quite some time, I'll admit I had grown a bit comfortable in my expertise. But stepping into the glassblowing studio, I was suddenly transported back to square one—the nerves, the uncertainty, the thrill of trying something completely new. It's like being a freshman all over again, except this time, I've got a few more wrinkles and a whole lot of humility.

And you know what's even more incredible? How this newfound passion for glassblowing has woven its way into my teaching philosophy. Suddenly, I find myself better equipped to relate to my students—their fears, their dreams, their relentless pursuit of creativity. It's a beautiful symbiosis, a dance between teacher and student, fueled by empathy and understanding. It's like I've unlocked a new level of relatability, one that transcends pixels and screens. I get to be a student, and my students really respect that.

Every time I open the furnace, gather that blob of fiery glass on the end of a rod, and start shaping it into something beautiful (or weird, or ugly…y’know its a process), I'm reminded of the importance of taking risks and embracing the unknown. And isn't that what creativity is all about?

So, to all my fellow educators and aging adventurers out there, I implore you—step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and watch as it transforms not only your own perspective but also the way you connect with your students. Whether it's glassblowing, pottery, interpretive dance, or underwater basket weaving, the lessons learned are invaluable. Don't let age define you, and don't let fear hold you back. Whether you're blowing glass at 40 or picking up a paintbrush at 80, the journey of discovery is yours for the taking. Embrace the uncertainty, revel in the excitement, and watch as your world transforms before your very eyes. As for me, I'll be here, juggling between pixels and glass, constantly inspired by the endless possibilities that creativity has to offer. Who knows what other adventures await in this wild and wonderful world of art-making?