Why Have I Never Heard of Coldworking Related to Glassblowing?

There are a few reasons for this...

First, coldworking is usually the behind-the-scenes magic that happens without people ever knowing. When you see glassblowing, you see the “finished” object go into the annealer and next time you see it, is after the coldworking had already been done.

For example, you see a beautiful bowl being made in a hotshop, and then you come back and it’s in the giftshop or gallery. Coldworking is completed before it goes to either of these places to make sure it sits flat and straight and all the sharp edges have been removed from where it was attached to the blowpipe, as well as any other flaws removed. At this stage, it has typically been signed by the artist.

"I personally feel that coldworkers may be “invisible” but they are one of the most important steps in the process of glass making."

Second, coldshops are rarely open to the public. The process is usually loud, messy, requires lots of focus, and it is not safe to have an audience. Coldworking is a multiple step operation and can be a long tedious process sometimes taking longer than the actual making of an object in the hot shop. This might seem boring or monotonous to the average person, but is extremely rewarding and almost therapeutic for those of us who love it.

If you are a glass artist looking for someone to partner with and help bring your art to the marketplace or to be displayed for the world to enjoy, I'd love to connect.

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