About Sam Stang

With the murrini pieces, I begin by making glass rods which are patterned in cross section. The rods are cooled and cut into thin pieces and arranged on an iron plate which is then heated to fuse the murrini. This is then rolled into a tube on the end of a blowpipe and shaped into the final form. The banded bowls are blown as separate sections and fused together. This technique, known as incalmo, requires a great deal of skill and cooperation. I work with at least one assistant.
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All of my pieces are made using traditional European glassblowing techniques. I have been inspired by African trade beads, mid-century Italian and Scandinavian design as well as by nature. Each piece is entirely produced at the furnace using only molten glass, without the use of molds, glue or paint.