Published in Colleyville Buzzz!
By Candace Jones
The process of blowing glass is extremely tricky. One false move in a series of sophisticated steps can render imperfections in the final piece of glass. These graceful pieces are created from a procedure that requires an artistic flair and a technical understanding of metals, tools, and machinery.
Grapevine is lucky to have two gifted artists dedicating their lives to keeping the art form alive. Housed in a humble warehouse space, David Gappa and David Elliff work to create beautiful pieces and delight in educating the public about the ancient art form.
“It took us nine months to build the machines ourselves, and the tools we order have to be hand made,” said David Gappa. In fact, there are so few suppliers for the specialized tools it took him six months to receive the protective eye wear which shields him from the brightness of the furnace.
The glass, which can be purchased in varying forms of powder or blocks to be ground at the studio, is expensive. Because the base of the colors is rare heavy metals, i.e. copper for red, cobalt for blue, the heat affects them differently. Black takes the longest to heat, for example. For instance, when you see a platter with contrasting colors, imagine the dexterity required to juggle the varying heating times and personalities of the metals. The more complex color mixtures require the aid of a gaffer, a person who continuously assists the artist.
First the artist uses a long metal pole to collect melted glass from a furnace heated at 2400 degrees. It resembles a ball of hot glowing honey. The artist then has the gaffer assist in adding his chosen colors all the while maintaining the temperature of the piece. The long metal pole the artist uses is hollow with a tube to blow air into the heated piece creating a glass balloon. Eventually the end will be cut and flared to create an opening and the piece at that point resembles a bulbous vase. The shape is then molded with a block of cherry wood that has been dipped in water. It’s the same tool that glass artisans have used for thousands of years.
To create a platter shaped piece, the artist will quickly spin the pole with the vase shape at the end, and it gloriously fans out exploding with color. A warning: witnessing this step can induce goose bumps.
The final step in the process is to place the piece in a freezer shaped furnace heated at 925 degrees for 12-15 hours.
David Gappa explains, “The glass has a mind of its own, and you have to be able to change your concept in a flash to work with it.” He added, “This is the only art form where you can’t actually touch what you are creating.”
Dan Micka, owner of Southlake’s Essex Manufacturing, dropped by the studio on a recent evening to commission what will be his seventh piece. “I found this place during Grapefest. My daughters and I came by and didn’t leave for hours. David has such a controlled grace in creating these pieces. And if you commission a piece he really takes great pleasure creating exactly what you want.” His favorites are Mr. Gappa’s celestial pieces that seem to hold miniature galaxies within the glass.
You can view finished pieces at the gallery inside of the studio, and the website is being developed as well. The artists welcome the public to their studio located at 334 S. Barton just behind Main Street. They have had groups of Indian Guides, Boy Scouts, and Girls Scouts come out to learn about the ancient art. “We even encourage people to bring wine and cheese, and they can sit and watch the whole process,” Mr. Gappa said.
It is a great recommendation, as they generously answer all questions as artists who are truly passionate about their craft.
The reward is seeing magnificent pieces of art unfold before your eyes.
Feb 2001