4 days ago
What It's Like Being Born Into The Hot Shop | feat. Glass Artist Niko Cray
Matt Robertson chats with Nico Cray, a renowned glass artist to discuss his journey into glass blowing, growing up with a famous glass artist father,and how he was immersed in the craft from a young age at just 6 years old.
Nico talks about his transition from soft glass to pipe making, and how he found his niche in the industry. He also opens up about the challenges of being a glass artist, including managing the business side of things and dealing with unique customer requests. Beyond glass, Nico shares how hobbies help him maintain balance and creativity in his work as he is an avid extreme sports enthusiast, competing in paintball tournaments and enjoying activities like skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross. Nico also chats about his upcoming projects, including a new body of work he's been developing in secret, and his plans to open a gallery space to showcase not just his own work, but that of other artists across mediums.
Also in this episode:
- Nico grew up immersed in glass art, taking his first gather at just 6 years old under the guidance of his father, renowned glass artist Tony Cray.
- Nico has found success competing in major glass art competitions like DFO, which helped propel his career.
- Nico has had some unusual customer requests, including people trying to trade exotic snakes for custom glass pieces, which he politely declines.
- Nico's dyslexia presents some challenges in managing the business side of his art, like responding to DMs, but he's found ways to work around it with the help of his wife.
- Nico had a fascinating UFO sighting experience while on a trip to San Diego, which he and his family witnessed along with numerous other onlookers.
- Nico is considering opening a gallery space called "Cray, Co." to showcase his new body of work and provide a platform for other artists across mediums.
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About Matt Robertson
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.