I started working with borosilicate glass in Key West in 2015. I didn’t really know where glass would take me when I started, but it didn’t take long before I was completely hooked. I learned mostly by experimenting, making mistakes and spending as much time on the torch as I could.
A big part of those early years were spent blowing glass live at Mallory Square’s Sunset Celebration in Key West. Every night before sunset, I would set up my torch and glass tables and melt away as the sun went down and the crowds gathered. Working in front of people like that pushed me to keep learning and constantly make something new.
In 2017, I took three 3-day classes with the G.O.A.T. of glass, Robert Mickelsen. We studied network pieces along with sculptural glass and flowers & insects. Those classes gave me a lot of new techniques to work with and helped me take my glasswork to the next level.
Today I reside in Central Florida, where I make everything from turtles, pendants and marbles to network and sculptural pieces in my home studio. Growing up in Key West definitely shows up in my work, but most of the time I get on the torch with an idea and see where it takes me.
The part I love about glass the most is there’s always something else to learn, another technique to try and another idea to turn into glass.
Pieces I’ve made over the years.
For questions about available work, upcoming pieces, or the glass, get in touch directly.
Contact Jose
