I'm a little surprised that so many of you have such a problem with it, but it's definitely not the first time I've faced this type of thing. Let me tell you what I tell myself whenever I question whether I'm in the right business.
For centuries the most respected item in glass art has been the goblet. Let's not forget the purpose of a goblet is to provide a device to get drunk out of. I don't drink, I actually hate it. Always have. I like to smoke, and I support a world in which people smoke instead of drink. I think it's a lot safer, smarter, and for me, more fun. That's me, I don't care if someone wants to drink. The fact is though, the goblet is boring. It's made to hold liquid which limits me to a very small amount of useful shapes, all of which you can already buy for next to nothing at every other store. Making a functional piece of glass thats purpose is to transport a gas/smoke frees up the artist to make any shape, with any design. And we have. Oh boy, have we ever.
Over the past 25 years the glass pipemakers have completely revolutionized the art of lampworking (glassblowing with a torch). Completely. There is absolutely no question at this point that the most amazing work in lampworked glass art right now is coming from pipemakers. You don't have to like it, you don't have to understand it, but we're here, and we are only going to become more and more accepted and respected, because we deserve it. When people look back there is no question in my mind that the last thing my work will be judged for was how it was used, but instead by the artistry in it. I didn't come here talking about my work, other people brought it up, but I'm willing to be on the front lines for what I believe in. If you feel fine about your metal going to moonshine stills, hypodermic needles, metal pipes, bullets, warheads, knives, and guns, but have a problem with this I just want you to really ask yourself why. I'm a good guy, making good work, trying to recycle some materials before they're crushed up and put in a landfill forever.
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