Matt Robertson is joined by Glass artist Taffy to discuss his journey into borosilicate glass, from his initial frustrations with painting to his fascination with the technical challenges of Boro.

Taffy shares insights on melting and coloring glass, as well as his work with plasma and innovative glass tools, including his signature rollers. Taffy offers advice for aspiring artists, emphasizing the importance of learning directly from the material. With entertaining anecdotes and little-known facts, this episode provides a captivating look into the art and science of glassmaking.

Also in this episode:

• Taffy initially got into glass blowing after becoming frustrated with the open-ended nature of painting, finding the immediacy and problem-solving aspects of glass more appealing.
• Transitioning from soft glass to borosilicate (Boro) glass presented new technical challenges for Taffy, including the need to carefully melt and homogenize different colored glasses.
• Taffy is fascinated by plasma and the science behind it, seeing it as an "anti-existentialist" experience that grounds him in his connection to the earth.
• Developing innovative glass tools, like his signature rollers, has been an important part of Taffy's practice, helping to make the physical demands of glassblowing more efficient and ergonomic.
• Taffy emphasizes the importance of following one's curiosity and learning directly from the glass itself when developing as a glass artist.
• The glass industry faces challenges around corporate espionage and the difficulty of patenting new innovations, but Taffy continues to push the boundaries of what's possible with borosilicate glass.

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Matt Robertson is a visionary artist who has made a significant mark in the glass art world with his unique matte-finished caricature sculptures, each reflecting pivotal moments from his life. His playful spirit shines through in his whimsical glass animal sculptures, often depicted in humorous scenarios that embody his vibrant personality. Inspired by creatures like giraffes, Robertson is captivated by the challenges of working with glass, a delicate medium that demands intense focus and energy, which he channels into his art. Each piece captures a dynamic energy, freezing it in time and offering a glimpse into his imaginative universe. After discovering his passion for glassblowing at Sheridan College in Ontario, he honed his craft in Eugene, Oregon, before returning to Canada to co-founded the Edy Roy Glass Gallery, a pioneering space that merges high art with functional glass pipes. Now based in Evergreen, Colorado, Robertson continues to evolve as a glass artist while hosting "The Robertson Stash" podcast and showcasing his work in galleries worldwide, all while advocating for contemporary glass art and its vibrant possibilities.