CALIFORNIA
the glass issue the glass issue
glass art by piper dan
Photo by Jeff DiMarco
ABOUT THE COVER
Whoa, hold on to your seats because this issue is about absolute fire! We’d like to welcome you to one of our longest-running annual editions, The Glass Issue. Here, we take the time to honor the greats, the up-and-coming artists as well as highlight the best photographers in the contemporary functional glass art movement.
Blowing up our cover this year is a wicked collaboration by the legends JFell and Piper Dan, which was shot by the master of light bending himself, Jeff DiMarco! Thanks for letting us grace your greenroom this month. Load one up, heat up your bucket or just have an edible and enjoy the pages beyond.
DESIGN BY DANIEL BERMAN @BERMANPHOTOS WRITE-UP BY REX HILSINGER @BOROPHOTO
WES ABNEY CEO & FOUNDER wes@leafmagazines.com
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DANIEL BERMAN, DESIGN
BOBBY BLACK, FEATURES + DESIGN TOM BOWERS, FEATURES + PHOTOS
JEFF DIMARCO, PHOTOS
WYATT EARLY, NATIONAL NEWS REX HILSINGER, FEATURES + PHOTOS
WIND HOME, PHOTOS
MATT JACKSON, FEATURES + ART
JOSH MONTHEI, PHOTOS
ALEX REYNA, PHOTOS
MIKE RICKER, FEATURES
BRUCE & LAURIE WOLF, PHOTOS
WOODY’S GLASS GALLERY, PHOTOS
JAMIE ZILL, PHOTOS
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WES ABNEY
Editor’s
Thanks for picking up The Glass Issue of California Leaf!
Our 4/20 tradition of an April glass issue dates back to 2011 when I first fell in love with the amazing art that serves functionally to get us high. Back then glass was still illegal paraphernalia, and going to a head shop meant talking about water tobacco pipes with a wink and a nod.
We began documenting glass as an underground movement, which rapidly became a heady art scene and then the dominant status symbol for an industry emerging from the shadows of illegality. As the plant has evolved from a medical fringe movement to a mainstream industry, the value and appreciation for the act of getting high have evolved into the finest high art.
Like many social and cultural movements, art is a driver for the Cannabis community, especially in the form of glass. The combination of beauty and function is stunning and only matched in the performance world of cars and boats. But as sexy as a dripping red Ferrari is, it can only get you high on dopamine, not THC. When I see a fresh drop from Mothership Glass, I imagine the process of heating a dab and inhaling a monster hit through a custom bong that has as much precision, intention and ripping effect as a sports car.
There’s glass that blows the mind with intense collaborations, like the Molten Art Classic “The Shipwreck” piece, a visual journey to the bottom of a dabby sea (Northeast Leaf, April 2024 cover), or pieces from artists like Mia Shea that celebrate the beauty and femininity of the female body in a sensual form (Northwest Leaf, April 2022 cover). From the simplest spoon pipe to the most intricate dab rigs, all glass has a special feel, as we return to it to feel good in a daily or even hourly ritual.
The ritual of getting high, the process by which we enjoy our medicine and recreation, has power and meaning when done with intention. Keeping a clean glass station helps deliver clean meds to the body, mind and soul, and adds to the natural experience of our plant. Cannabis and art go hand in hand, and celebrating artists from around the country in our 15th annual 4/20 Glass Issue brings me great joy!
“...ART IS A DRIVER FOR THE CANNABIS COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY IN THE FORM OF GLASS.”
In honor of all the artists who have brought beauty to this industry, please keep your bong clean, support locally sourced glass and support an artist by buying a new piece to celebrate the plant for 4/20!
COVER PHOTO BY JEFF DIMARCO @IAMJEFFDIMARCO
BY THE NUMBERS
$50m
Glass House, a vertically integrated Cannabis company in California, has secured a new $50 million loan. It is one of the fastest-growing Cannabis companies in the U.S., and it plans to pay off its previous loan while pushing a majority of its current debt to 2030. This can be seen as an investment in an everexpanding market as well as a prediction for the future of Cannabis in the United States. Lenders don’t loan that many millions without strong confidence in this industry’s future.
Photo courtesy GlassHouseFarms.com
$100k
Nearly 10 years ago in 2016, this pipe sold for more than $100,000 at auction — a momentous day in the world of high-end glass art. Mothership Glass’ Scott Deppe and solo artist Sagan Glass made this unbelievable Fabergé moon-phase egg. As a functional pipe, this piece pushes the limits of how far bongs can go. With several crescent and full moons adorning it, there is always another facet of this work of art to catch your eye. The gigantic moon marble near the bottom of the piece was legitimately launched into space before the construction of this pipe. Photo courtesy MothershipGlass.com
$120k
$420k
More than just an ironic number, a dispensary owner in Massachusetts reportedly owes the state around $424,000 in unpaid sales tax. Last month, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue received permission to seize assets and property in hopes of covering the debt allegedly owed by the operators behind Rebelle. The state secured a bank levy on the business’s accounts but did not succeed in actually taking money from their accounts. Photo courtesy instagram.com/rebellerebels
In 2015, a 43-year-old man was arrested for smashing a Dale Chihuly sculpture valued at $120,000. The sculpture was on display at the Tacoma Art Museum in Washington when the man entered a closed exhibit. Video footage showed him swinging his arm before colored glass appeared shattered all over the floor. He tried to enter another closed exhibit before being stopped and apprehended by museum security. Photo of artist courtesy DaleChihuly.com
$72m
In 2024, the Maryland Comptroller’s Office collected more than $72,000,000 in tax revenues on recreational Cannabis sales. Medical patients in Maryland didn’t pay any of that tax, which shows the value of holding a medical Cannabis card even in an adult-use state. There is a 9% sales tax on all recreational Cannabis sales, which can really add up for daily Cannabis consumers. Photo by Adobe Stock
It is widely expected that Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will veto a lawmaker-passed plan to legalize retail sales of Cannabis in the commonwealth. This would lead to the state missing out on tens of millions of dollars in state revenue — funds that could be used for everything from kindergarten programs to substance abuse treatment. One can’t help but wonder what is going through the mind of someone knowingly attempting to block an effort geared toward bettering their state as a whole.
$10m+
1.4m
Photo by Creative Commons
According to a new report commissioned by California’s Department of Cannabis Control, the state increased legal Cannabis production by 11.8% in 2024. Moving up to 1.4 million pounds produced annually, this is a clear sign that California’s Cannabis market is booming. Whether it comes down to Cannabis tourism or locals keeping their stash heavy, this is a healthy trend to see in such a well-developed Cannabis market.
Photo by Adobe Stock
150
During a routine traffic stop in Webster Parish, Louisiana, deputies seized approximately 150 pounds of what was described as high-grade Cannabis. The load was valued at an estimated $225,000, and Georgia resident Joseph Alva Harper was taken into custody on multiple charges, including possession in the presence of a firearm.
Photo courtesy Webster Parish Sheriff's Office
CALIFORNIA LEAF BUDTENDER OF THE MONTH
DAVID A. ESPINOZA BARRERA
When we asked our friend Giselle at CAM, one of the most caring and knowledgeable budtenders in the Bay, she said “you gotta meet David at Vallejo Relief Center.” An employee for almost four years, David is a San Francisco native who started shopping there for a year before becoming inspired to join the ranks as a budtender. Now he’s been recently promoted to shift lead. We caught up with the man to ask a few questions about what fuels his passion for bringing Cannabis knowledge to the community. Follow him on Instagram @415.David_
HOW DID YOU GET INSPIRED TO START BUDTENDING? Honestly, it was the brands. As a customer, I would walk into the store and feel like a kid in a candy shop with all the different kinds of products everywhere. As a budtender, I felt I’d have more access to explore these new things and discover items I never knew were on the market.
DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO WORK AT VALLEJO RELIEF CENTER? When I used to shop at the store, I really liked the vibe they provided. I always felt like I was speaking to someone I could trust, and that’s important when you’re talking about getting high. Even if what they’re shopping for isn’t something I’m into, I want to be knowledgeable about that product.
WHAT SURPRISED YOU ABOUT THE JOB? I never expected to be retaining so many facts. When I started working, I felt like I was memorizing so much just about weed but then on top of that so many faces, names, people’s likes and dislikes. I wasn’t expecting that to be a skill I would develop in this job, but it’s been a big way I’ve learned to connect with the people who shop at the store.
WHAT DO YOU TELL NEW BUDTENDERS? We can always be learning. In my downtime, I’m always going on to the internet and looking up details about new strains, products or companies so I can learn how to provide everybody with a good trip.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO CONSUME CANNABIS RIGHT NOW?
Lately I’ve been really into smoking indica flower. A couple of my favorites have been the Skywalker OG and Scottie’s Cake from CAM and Ted’s OG from Teds Budz.
Talking about where he sees himself in the future, David seems just as inspired as when he started four years ago. “Eventually I’d like to level up in the industry and start representing one of the companies I look up to,” he said. “Then someday I’d love to boss up. It would be great to someday create my own products just like the brands that inspired me to get into this industry in the first place.”
MOLTEN LEGENDS
PRESTON SINGLETARY WEAVES TLINGIT ANCESTRY INTO THE SACRED FLAME
IT IS A RARE AND SACRED MOMENT when art, ancestry and alchemy come together in perfect harmony, weaving a new story while honoring the ancient echoes of the past. Presto n Singletary, a Tlingit glass artist of the Pacific Northwest, has spent decades shaping fire and sand into breatht aking tributes to his heritage — visions of spirit animals, clan crests and the powerful narratives of his people, all frozen in the crystalline glow of molten glass.
MAJESTIC THUNDERBIRD
BLOWN AND SAND
CARVED GLASS
22.75" X 23.5" X 13"
Born of the Tlingit people, Singletary’s path has been one of deep reverence and revolutionary creativity.
Traditionally, the art of his ancestors flourished in wood, stone and textiles — carved totems, woven regalia and ceremonial objects imbued with spirit. As an artist called by the glassblowing fire, Singletary has forged an unprecedented connection between this modern medium and his Indigenous lineage. His work is a shimmering bridge where the wisdom of the elders meets the fluidity of innovation, proving that the stories of the past can be told in luminous new ways.
FOR THE TLINGIT PEOPLE, fire is more than an element; it is a teacher, an ancestor, a force of transformation. Grandfather Fire is the keeper of wisdom, the eternal flame that carries the voices of those who came before. Singletary has been called to work with this sacred flame, a conduit through which fire and spirit merge to create something truly timeless. Each piece he breathes into existence is not just art but a communion with Grandfather Fire, forging a bridge between ancient tradition and the infinite possibilities of the future. In his hands, the molten glow of creation becomes an offering, a vessel of ancestral knowledge crystallized in glass.
For over 40 years, Singletary has crafted pieces that pulse with the essence of the natural and spiritual realms — Raven, Eagle, Killer Whale and the mystical figures of Tlingit mythology brought to life through the flame’s breath.
His glass creations hold the medicine of his ancestors, carrying forward the visual language of formline design, Indigenous symbology and the heartbeat of the land. Viewers are immersed in Singletary’s visionary world, where the depths of his glass art tell stories of the deep forests, eternal ocean, rushing rivers and the ancestral voices that guide his hands. Every piece he creates is a ceremony, a reflection of the sacred energies that flow through him and into the molten glass, capturing moments of transformation in radiant stillness.
Now, with the unveiling of the new gallery space, the circle expands even wider. This gallery exhibit is a portal — a living, breathing space where art and spirit collide. The grand opening exhibition, “Raven is as Raven Does,” invites visitors to witness the power of transformation through visual and oral storytelling. Singletary collaborates with international best-selling author Garth Stein. Together, their crafts alchemize a contemporary retelling of the Raven stories, offering a new perspective on age-old myths. They envision Raven navigating a world in flux, challenging authority, defying reality and confronting the absurd perils of modern life.
“This gallery is a portal — a living, breathing space where art and spirit collide.”
For those who walk the path of elevated consciousness, this is more than an art show — it’s a chance to gather in community, honor Indigenous artistry and experience the next evolution of Tlingit storytelling through glass. Singletary and Stein offer the community a unique opportunity to commune with the artists at the opening reception. Whether you are a collector or simply appreciate the energy of something truly unique, this gallery opening is an event not to be missed.
My fellow cosmic travelers, mark your calendars and make your way to Traver Gallery near the iconic Ballard Bridge. Let the whisper of the wind guide you to a space where ancient wisdom glows in crystalline form. Light up that sacred herb, OGs, and head on partake in a breathtaking Indigenous representation of glass-blown magic. Preston’s work is sure to keep you elevated for days to come.
PRESTON SINGLETARY
PHOTO: CHLOE COLLYER
Have you noticed that vegetables have really stepped up their game?
Savoring Spring!
You know what’s nice? Spring. As the weather gets warmer, you can begin to eat seasonally. It’s fun to go and check out what’s coming up, literally, and what you may not see again till next year. Eating seasonally and locally is great if you can do it. Maybe not all the time, but when you can. Once again, I am using the strain Astral Works from Pruf Cultivar. It’s high in CBD and quite tasty. I find it uplifting, not stoney, and I easily get stuff done and feel good doing it. What more could you ask for? Well, you could ask for stoney, but not today. Laurie@Laurieandmaryjane.com
Zucchini Pasta
4 medium zucchini, julienned
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup pine nuts
4 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
1 to 2 tablespoons canna-oil
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Salt and pepper
6 coriander or basil leaves
1. Using a spiralizer, mandolin or sharp knife, cut the zucchini into long strips. Place in a colander and toss with the salt. Allow to drain for 10 minutes. Rinse and gently pat dry.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, pine nuts, oils, vinegar, garlic and crushed red pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss with the zucchini, place on a platter and tuck some leaves into the mixture.
Best Bean Salad
1 (14.5-ounce) can white beans, drained but not rinsed 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
1/3 cup carrots, julienned 1/4 cup jicama, julienned
3 tablespoons onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons canna-oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon herbs de Provence
Salt and pepper
1. Using a spiralizer, mandolin or sharp knife, cut the carrots and jicama into long strips.
In a medium bowl, combine the beans, roasted red peppers, carrots, jicama and finely chopped onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the oils, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, herbs de Provence and salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and beans, tossing gently to coat.
Never Better
Cauliflower
1 large cauliflower
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons canna-oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon
1 tablespoon honey
1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/3 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon turmeric 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1. Heat oven to 340 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. Slice the bottom off the cauliflower so it sits evenly on the baking sheet.
2. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.
3. Spread the mixture over the cauliflower and bake for 1 hour, drizzling the cauliflower with pan juices a few times during the baking time.
4. Cut into wedges to serve. Drizzle with remaining pan juices.
Z ON Z THUMBPRINT
710 LABS
is a name that’s been a major player in the California concentrates game for almost a decade. After starting in Colorado and expanding into California, Florida, and Michigan, they’re just about to launch their first batch of hash in New Jersey and have sights set on Washington, D.C., for their next expansion. Still, with the size of their operation and the amount of flavorful hash they put out, many people working there still keep a stocked fridge of work from some of the most well-known hashmakers out there. So when the higher-ups agreed to the fans’ desire to see a 710 Labs thumbprint, people in the lab and garden were salivating at the thought.
“... AN EFFERVESCENT Z THAT PRESENTS STRONGLY WITHOUT THAT NOSEBLEED MONOTERP FOR A MUCH MORE LAYERED EXPERIENCE.”
FOR CONTEXT, a thumbprint, also known as an eggdrop, is a style where a ring of cold cure encapsulates a little lake of rosin jam. While cold-cured rosin has more of a batter or dough-like texture, jam is a slurry-like mix of terpene syrup and THCA crystals. The two, when put together, often resemble the little jamcentered cookies. It’s a style that’s been made popular by The Real Cannabis Chris who first started releasing them in 2019 and nowadays has been popping up in the rec. markets of Colorado and Maine. A thumbprint offers a chance to try out two different flavors of hash without a divider in the jar, choosing to mix and match them into your own preferred ratio.
Right now 710 Labs makes one drop of these thumbprints per month, garden permitting, and they only yield between 50 to 150 jars per run, making them one of the brand’s most exclusive releases. This most recent thumbprint offered another unique aspect: the ability to try a strain as both cold cure and jam. To cap off this special one-on-one, 710 Labs chose to use their incredible Z cut, a favorite of their founder Brad Melshenker, to create a double dose of that crowd-pleasing cultivar.
The results are delicious. The jam offered light, airy, candied Z goodness, while the cold cure delivered a richer, creamier texture on the palate and more depth of flavor. Together, the pairing brought the best of both worlds, making for a scrumptious, phenomenally balanced dab.
Jeff Wirt, who’s been with the company for eight years and helped set up the labs in California and Michigan, told us he thinks this Z has the classic astringency up front but also gives off some layers as well. He described it as an effervescent Z that presents strongly without that nosebleed monoterp for a much more layered experience. After trying some for ourselves, we can definitely say that he knows his stuff.
“... THE SMOKE IS SMOOTH AND SWEET LIKE BERRY
HEN WE FIRST featured True Classic a few years ago, the Los Angelesbased indoor cultivator had built its reputation on one thing and one thing only: cultivating an absolute bullseye cut of OG. They stood on that strain like people stand on business, with unwavering confidence that they could deliver the best, consistently. They didn’t offer any other cultivars under their brand. Just the one.
At the time, they teased the development of a potential second offering to add to a lineup of modern classics. This time, it would be something from the LCG lineage.
CULTIVATED BY TRUE CLASSIC
Fast forward to now, and that second strain has been on the market for a minute. We figured it was about time for the LEAF to take a look at the SCG, or Strawberry Cherry Gelato.
A vibrant cross of Lemon Cherry Gelato and Strawberry Fritter, the SCG overlays mouthwateringly tangy notes atop a foundation of sweet, earthy Gelato terps. The dense, trichome-coated buds fill the room with flavor, and the smoke is smooth and sweet like berry pie cooling on the windowsill.
The overall effect is relaxing, creative, a little goofy, and altogether pleasurable. Roll some for a stroll in nature or a hang on your back patio. You might find yourself pontificating about the finer points of the ubiquitous LCG family tree like we did, admiring the folks at True Classic for choosing to offer a hyper-limited array of offerings while so many other talented growers develop and release a massive volume of genetics.
It’s a refreshing, solid approach, and we look forward to seeing what else they decide to release into the world. We’re already excited to try their third modern classic, the Lemon Cherry Runtz, but we’ll save that for another time.
TURTLE TIME + FIONA PHOENIX FIRE
TURTLE TIME AND FIONA PHOENIX FIRE
are not just amazing artists; they are salt of the earth. Their art reflects the energy they bring to this planet and everyone around them. Often known for their sparkling work in dichroic colors, vivid dotwork patterns and Gaiainspired sculptures, each of them has a vision that flows like a river.
TURTLE’S JOURNEY began in Corvallis, Oregon, where he earned a bachelor’s in marine biology from Oregon State University. In fall 2000, Turtle found himself in the blossoming glass pipe scene. In 2005, Clinton Roman took him under his wing, and Turtle went full time on his journey with glass art.
In 2010, Fiona and Turtle found each other at a summer festival. Soon after their meeting, Fiona was seduced by the call of the flame. She transitioned quickly to blowing glass full time with Turtle in the new Ashland Art Glass studio in Ashland, Oregon. Turtle combines his biology background with creating highly realistic marine life sculptural pipes.
Fiona’s focus draws inspiration from the peyote stitch patterns and designs of Indigenous peoples of the Southwest. One can’t help but to stop and marvel at the art they create together.
To arrange your own custom piece, you can reach out on Instagram, or go to Ashland Art Glass on Facebook to book a class. Turtle will be performing at the Tacoma Museum of Glass the weekend of 4/20. And if you plan to attend this year’s Oregon Country Fair, don’t miss their booth!
LURCH COLLAB
SALT COLLAB (UV-REACTIVE)
TONY KAZY
IF YOU’VE HAD the pleasure of meeting him in person, you know. If you haven’t, do it when you get a chance. Tony carries a certain kind of energy that is very rare these days. It’s infectious, and once it gets a hold of you, Godspeed!
Calling Colorado his home is generous; he’s constantly traveling to expand his knowledge and collaborate with his friends. Tony says his biggest inspiration is “pushing myself and my limits to see if I can get to the same level as all my friends in this amazing world.”
I constantly see him pushing himself and the limits of contemporary borosilicate art. Here you can enjoy a few of his dragon sculptures with a removable sword to use as a dabber.
If you want to find Tony Kazy, he’s doing a different opening in a different state for the rest of the year. Follow his IG for updates, and don’t miss this degen’ if he’s anywhere nearby.
@TONYKAZYGLASS
HEATHBAR
GLASS COLLAB
FIREFLY GLASS COLLAB
TONY KAZY… Oh boy, there’s a lot to unpack here. This savage may be a true mutant. I met him for the first time in Denver in 2014, and the world was a little different then.
APIX DESIGN
design the jewelry of the Cannabis industry. Like Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Tiffany, they are the dreamers behind the shiny showstoppers at the sesh. That’s why it’s always a reason to celebrate when non-Cannabis media gives them their flowers. That’s what happened when I tuned into a recent episode of Conan O’Brien’s podcast “Conan Needs A Friend” and heard a name I instantly recognized: California glass artist Dan Dahlhauser, also known as Apix Design.
Dan says it took close to a year for him to hear back, but after that first phone call the whole process really took about a week from screening to taping.
On a pre-interview call with Team Coco’s Aaron Bleyaert, Dan went over glassblowing and the type of work he makes. It was then that Bleyaert asked if Dan could make a Conan bong — what would it look like, and could it be made so that three people could hit it at once? After an idea session on what that would look like, 30 minutes later, Dan got the call that he’d be featured on the podcast, which meant he had just a few days to create something and get it to their studios before the episode was recorded.
“It was a bit of a forced pressure to deliver,” Dan says, “but I kind of like that setup when I’m working.”
The result is what Bleyaert called the Chill Chums Bong, a 15-inch tube that splits off into three mouthpieces and flows down over a gridded stemline. The faceted bowl features three orange spiral horns to signify Conan’s signature hair, and the tube is emblazoned with Easter eggs like Conan’s signature doodle, some gerbils to reference the podcast and a big Team Coco logo. Along with the tube, Dan also created a set of glasses, ashtrays and a special Sherlock pipe for co-host Sona Movsesian. As the first glassblower ever interviewed by Conan, he felt, “Why not come in guns blazing.”
THIS BAY AREA NATIVE has been creating custom works since high school when he discovered all his friends suddenly needed bongs.
Originally he wanted to get into welding but felt it was too time-consuming and expensive, so he went into glassblowing instead. “If I only knew,” he joked.
Now living in Vacaville, CA and creating for clients all over the world, he and his wife are both die-hard fans of comedian Conan O’Brien.
So when Dan discovered that you can apply to be a guest on the latenight legend’s podcast, he immediately signed up.
Dan’s appearance on the podcast is a great conversation that shows their genuine reactions to both the piece and the art form, while also sharing how much care and intention go into making these pieces. Dan said he felt they really had fun talking about the work, how he became a glassblower and getting to share something he created as a thank-you for all the laughs O’Brien has given him and his wife. “All joking aside,” O’Brien told him, “you’re an artist.”
This Chill Chums bong is the first of its kind for Dan, but he’s already had people contact him asking for one of their own.
Fans of the podcast have also been reaching out to Dan, asking for pictures so they can see it for themselves, which are available on his website.
For now the piece rests with Team Coco, presumably in the studio waiting for the podcast’s next Chill Chums episode. When asked what Dan’s been working on next, he mentioned a desire to combine his glasswork with his love for woodworking, sculpture and furniture making. “I’ve even taken up welding.”
LOCATED IN the small town of Coquille on the Southern Oregon coast, Chase's studio is a place of inspiration and creativity. Surrounded by nature’s beauty — rugged coastlines, dense forests and winding rivers — he finds himself deeply influenced by the world around him. The unique landscapes, teeming with life, are reflected in his work, infusing his glass pieces with intricate designs that evoke the raw, organic shapes found in nature.
Chase’s greatest inspiration comes from nature itself, coupled with his love for sculptural art. The delicate patterns of plants, the fluid movement of animals and the harmony of the natural world all fuel his
CHASE HARDMAN
THE TALENTED glass artist Chase Hardman has been crafting functional art for nearly two decades. His journey began in 2006 when he first picked up a torch, drawn to the dynamic relationship between heat and glass. What started as a curiosity quickly evolved into a passionate pursuit, and over the years, Chase honed his skills to become a master of his craft.
His goal is to merge these natural influences with functional glass art, creating pieces that can be both admired and used. Each work is a fusion of beauty and utility, whether it’s a glass sculpture inspired by wildlife or a piece of glassware that carries the essence of nature in its design.
Looking to the future, Chase is excited to explore new collaborations with fellow artists and expand his reach to attract a wider range of collectors. By diversifying both his designs and price range, he hopes to make his art accessible to a broader audience, continuing to share his unique vision of nature through glass.
TEAM JAPAN TEAM JAPAN
TEAM JAPAN is a group of unbelievably creative individuals. Including Junichi “Rose Roads” Kojima, Daisuke “Disk” Saito, Yoshinori Kondo, Takao Miyake and John Kobuki, the group has been pushing the boundaries of what can be done with glass.
EACH MEMBER OF TEAM JAPAN brings their unique style and approach to glass art. Kojima and Miyake are known for their intricate use of pointillism in glass, a first-of-its-kind design, and both are true masters of their craft. Using thousands of dots in tight, intricate patterns, these guys create a larger image from a microcosm of colorful dots. The beautiful patterns are done with such precision that when I first saw one, I couldn’t believe it was man-made. Some are more focused on patterns, while others depict images like Grateful Dead’s Steal Your Face logo or artistic land, sea and skyscapes.
Kondo, who Leaf featured in the 2023 Glass Issue, started out making soft glass beads using his kitchen stove. He has come a long way since then, making his name a mainstay in the American glass world with some help from American artist Josh Sable. Sable saw something in Kondo and assisted him in bringing his talents to a market that was much more interested in what he was making: weed. His dot stack patterns, opal inlay work and sculpting skills made his work skyrocket in value and popularity in a short amount of time.
Saito, better known as Disk Glass, gained widespread attention for his colorfully clean mosaic patterns, which took the internet and community by storm around the same time Team Japan was gaining popularity. He regularly collaborates with different members of Team Japan as well as American artists to make the “SLOP C.U.P.,” which is a functional “Contemporary Undercover Pipe” that resembles the shape of a fast food cup. Each cup is such a collaborative process that every design is unique, and hardly any SLOP C.U.P. resembles another. Kobuki has taught, demonstrated and exhibited glass blowing both in the United States and Japan. He uses compression to create images, like Hannya masks, samurai, flowers, dragons, skulls, jellyfish, mushrooms, and way more, encased in glass. He has even used the same technique to create the Joker, Frankenstein and Krampus. He is widely known for his marbles, which are all you will find on his Instagram page and are truly a sight to behold in person.
JAPAN JAPAN
Together, Team Japan has created some of the most impressive and groundbreaking glass art in the world. Their work has been exhibited in galleries around the globe, and they have been featured in numerous publications. The value of their work has remained high, even in a fluctuating glass market. The intrinsic value of these artists’ work is something I understood immediately upon my first peak. Team Japan is an inspiration to glass artists and enthusiasts alike. Their work shows that there are no limits to what can be achieved with glass.
ROSEROADSGLASS.NET | @ROSEROADSKOJIMA | @DISK_GLASS IHE-IMPORTER.COM | @YOSHINORIKONDO @TAKAOMIYAKE | @KOBUKIGLASS
Left-right: Team Japan "SLOP C.U.P." Yoshinori Kondo Marble, and a Snic Barnes x Yoshinori Kondo collab.
Rose Roads Solo UV Reactive Pendant
NATHAN BELMONT
NATHAN BELMONT’S adventure as a glass artist began in 2004 in Hawaii, where he first fell in love with the art of glassblowing. His passion for the craft has only grown over the years, and he is now based in Eugene, Oregon, where he continues to create stunning glass pieces.
WHAT TRULY DRIVES Nathan is the incredible glassblowing community, a group of individuals he describes as uniquely loving and supportive. He feels an immense sense of gratitude to be a part of this tight-knit family and is continually inspired by the people around him. Nathan believes that the community deserves his very best, and he works tirelessly to contribute to it in meaningful ways.
Over the years, Nathan’s work has evolved, but his commitment to pushing the boundaries of glassblowing has remained steadfast. He has become known not only for his exceptional craftsmanship but also for his willingness to share his knowledge with others. This commitment to mentorship is evident in the upcoming events Nathan is excited to be a part of. He will be traveling to Costa Rica for a special 4/20 event, where he will bring his glasswork and teach a class, hosted by @clubsocial. This marks a unique opportunity for him to connect with fellow artists and enthusiasts in a beautiful and vibrant setting.
In addition to Costa Rica, Nathan will be teaching in Tucson, Arizona, this May and again in Colorado in July. These classes offer a chance for aspiring glass artists to learn from one of the best in the field, gaining valuable insight into the craft. Nathan’s journey is a testament to the power of community and the relentless pursuit of artistic growth, and he said he’s honored to continue sharing his knowledge and passion with others.
DFO 2022 & 2023
COLLABS WITH KALEB FOLCK
"BLAST OFF BETTY"
"LORD CANTI"
KAJ BECK
KAJ BECK is famous for his distinct and colorful murrine (pronounced mur-ee-nee) work. This technique, perfected by Italian artists in the 16th century, involves stretching colored glass into long, thin rods, which are then stacked into shapes or layers and reheated into a solid piece that can be stretched again. When finally cooled and sliced, these rods are often cut to reveal the pattern or image in the cross-section.
BECK’S PIECES highlight a technique called veiled cane, where color is layered with sections of black or white. Instantly recognizable, his creations have names like “Tesseract Cells” and “Unicorn Marbles.”
His murrine patterns look like bubbles blown with a straw through technicolor milk, while individual chips evoke pieces of coral from an alien planet.
When asked about this style, Beck said he simply calls it veiled cane murrine. He first learned the murrine technique from Mike Warren 20 years ago, and it instantly called to him.
Now living in Humboldt County with his wife and dog, Beck started blowing glass in a school bus in Orrick in the late ’90s.
“Back then, there were about six of us cranking out secret word pipes all day,” he said. “As an artist, I’m more into pattern work than functional stuff.” But it wasn’t until after a tragic accident that he discovered the look he’s famous for today.
Around 2009, glassblowing became more of a part-time thing as he dove deep into the world of skydiving and parachuting, with the rush beginning to replace a lot of the emotional fulfillment he got from making glass art. In 2012, Beck collided with a mountain while parachuting and was stranded for four hours, waiting for search and rescue. He broke all his ribs and his back and was eventually airlifted to Stanford to reattach his foot, which had been sheared off in the crash. Throughout recovery, Beck said he really started to focus on what was important.
After the accident, Beck returned to glassblowing, adjusting to his physical limitations. The return to the torch brought a whole new wave of creativity. Two years later, he started the type of work he’s known for today. He said his desire for
direct connection has shaped how he approaches commissions and even collaborations, often at the cost of time.
Beck said his work takes a massive amount of hours. “It’s kind of maniacal,” he admitted. His most recent “Tesseract Cell” (a six-sided cube) took an estimated 45 days to create the different canes, harvest a single cell from each, and fuse each side together.
Along with time, there’s also a bit of luck involved in his work. His “Unicorn Marbles” are an example of this.
At the end of a cane pull, he takes the thick section, breaks it off, and uses it to create a one-ofa-kind marble.
Speaking with Beck, it’s clear that despite his difficult accident, he’s been able to channel the energy he put into skydiving into his passion for glassblowing. “Glass gives us the opportunity to continually evolve,” he said.
“It connects us to the moment, pushing ourselves to solve a problem or prove you can do something. Those are some of the purest moments of life and a lot like skydiving.” @KAJ____BECK
HALLIDAY COLLAB
HALLIDAY COLLAB
J-RED COLLAB
RIDICULOUSLEEGLASSY
IT WAS a cool spring day, possibly May 7, 2020, when Ridiculousleeglassy, an artist renowned for his eccentricity and unwavering dedication to this craft, began working at his studio in Rickreall, Oregon, near Salem.
SURROUNDED BY the rhythmic hum of the furnace and the rich scent of molten glass, Lee Van Lindley is always deep in the process of creating something extraordinary. Whether he’s creating new prep to share with the masses of glassblowers worldwide or honing his own construction techniques, his focus is unwavering.
Ridiculousleeglassy’s journey has been one of constant inspiration and growth, deeply influenced by psychedelic art and surrealism. His mentor, Sir Pyro Glass, played a pivotal role in shaping his style, instilling a relentless drive for excellence. Equally influential is his girlfriend, Windstar Glass, whose own work fuels his passion for innovation and individuality.
With every twist and turn of the molten glass, Ridiculousleeglassy is reminded of the bigger picture. His goals aren’t simply to create; it is to master the craft, learn every technique and collaborate with others who share his vision for unique, one-of-a-kind art. Lee remains determined to one day be the best glassblower in the world. Yet beyond technical mastery, he’s always sought to grow as a person — striving to be a better human day in and day out.
As Ridiculousleeglassy looks back at his finished piece from the 2024 CHAMPS Glass Games “Down the Rabbit Hole” competition, he knows it was just one step in a larger journey. His future is full of promise, and his commitment to pushing boundaries is unwavering. For him, the art was never just about the glass — it is about constantly evolving, both as an artist and a person. @RIDICULOUSLEEGLASSY
NIKO CRAY
NIKO CRAY got his start on the torch in 2010 at just 18 years old. It was then that he went straight down the rabbit hole, beginning what has become an impressive career. His dedication to sculptural work and shaping absolutely shines. While maintaining a high level of technical skill in complex prep across various aesthetics, he always makes his art stand out.
COLLABORATION is a major piece of the puzzle for his work. Shown here are a few examples of masterpieces he made with Salt, Cowboy and his father, Tony Cray. These pieces highlight the fusion of their individual styles. The functioning fountain sculpture stands nearly two feet tall, a work of art which took first place at the Midwest Meltdown!
His studio is located outside of St. Louis, where Niko and the Cray family slay the outdoors when he’s not blowing glass — building trails and ripping them on dirt bikes or getting into the backcountry for some knee-deep pow. The family that rides together stays together.
Right now he has a few larger-scale projects in the works and will be traveling to the Tacoma (Washington) Museum of Glass later this month for the Joint Venture show as a demo artist. If you have a chance, check out the museum’s annual event on April 19 and 20.
"ROYGBIV SNAKE SET"
COWBOY COLLAB
TONY CRAY COLLAB
Just south of Philly, you’ll find Jeff DiMarco, a man dedicated to the craft of documenting art, focusing on bringing high-quality imagery of artists’ works.
Jeff has always pushed himself to develop his own style. His journey into professional photography began just after Y2K. He had an entrepreneurial spirit dating back to high school, where he was often selected for
WIND HOME
Wind Home has spent his life in Eugene, Oregon, where he’s raised his children and worked as a professional photographer for most of his career. While focusing mainly on action sports and some portrait photography, he found a fork in the road in 2010 when his friend Greg, the legendary artist known as Trident Glass, convinced him to try shooting glass art. The rest is history. Wind shifted his focus to fully immerse himself in the world of glass art photography.
“We don’t do this for the money; we do it for a love of the art!”
His mantra is simple: “We don’t do this for the money; we do it for a love of the art!” As a very modest soul, he puts a lot of focus on documenting art for the masses and producing striking images. When Wind isn’t behind the lens, you can usually catch him throwing rocks at the lanes. This Dude abides!
JEFF DIMARCO
video and film work at sporting events, plays and more, while also landing his first paid gigs.
Fast forward to Philly in 2014, Jeff’s girlfriend had a friend who had just started blowing glass at Krushmore, a glass studio founded by Slinger, Certo and Germ. After being inspired by Photobytoto, Jeff began accepting offers to shoot glass art.
That accelerated quickly, and before long, he was shooting for many top artists in the industry, eventually being chosen by Slinger to be his personal photographer.
As seen in the images here, Jeff continues to innovate in the industry. Fortunately, he became another one of my mentors who never held anything back, and I’m very proud to highlight his work here!
“Jeff continues to innovate in the industry.”
KEVIN MURRAY, 2024 JASON
TYME X DOSH
RYE X HOOBS
JFELL X PIPER DAN
MULLER AKIO
PAUL STANKARD
JAMIE ZILL
Jamie Zill has been a staple in the professional glass art photography scene since 2010. While pursuing her BFA in photography at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, she worked at Green House Glass, where her two worlds came together. Since functional glass art was still considered illegal at that time, she started shooting glass on the side while finishing her degree.
Once she found her stride in glass art photography, she never looked back.
It started with the Head Shop before moving on to document the amazing works of artists like AKM, Mike Gcheck and others in the Richmond area.
“... it’s not in the kit — it’s all about bending the light.”
JLZILL.COM
@JLZILL
In 2013, Jamie decided to make her home somewhere out west where Cannabis was legalized for recreational use, making her favorite subjects much easier to pursue professionally. Fortunately for the PNW, Jamie landed in Seattle.
We at Leaf Magazines are fortunate to have her talents and amazing energy in our market. Jamie is not just a wicked photographer, she’s a great friend, dog lover, outdoor enthusiast and mentor.
As shown in these epic images, Jamie Zill’s skill set allows her to capture and share with the world some of the most influential images of contemporary glass art we will ever know. But she’s modest and always quick to tell you it’s not in the kit — it’s all about bending the light. While fuming techniques rate high among her favorite subjects, she truly shines when capturing UV-reactive glass art.
ALEX REYNA
Alex Reyna, a photographer from Granada Hills, California, found his passion for glass art photography in 2008. With a background in the arts, he was captivated by the endless creativity of glass artists, constantly pushing their boundaries. “Each year, they would push their creative limits higher and higher,” Alex recalls. His fascination with the intricate details of glass pieces fueled his journey into this specialized field, capturing the beauty of transparency and light. Known for his preference for complex, detailed subjects, Alex’s favorite aesthetic to shoot was anything that challenged his eye and technique. Over the years, he used a range of tools to perfect his craft, starting with the Nikon D610 and progressing to the Nikon Z8, utilizing Paul C. Buff Einstein flash units and Fenix flashlights for lighting.
Here you will find some of his favorite images from his extensive career. Apart from being an amazing photographer, Alex has always been a great mentor; he is a very open book and encourages others to do the same. I, for one, can say his knowledge and the ability to share it with others have always inspired me to do the same.
After 15 years of shooting glass art, Alex retired in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of stunning, intricately composed images that reflect his unique perspective. From his humble beginnings in Pacoima, California, to his celebrated career, Alex’s work continues to inspire.
“Alex’s favorite aesthetic to shoot was anything that challenged his eye and technique.”
@AREYSOCAL
BUCK
DFO, 2016
BANJO X ISIS X INA MAY
LACEFACE X SARITA GLASS
DARBY X LUNA
BANJO X AKM, SALT, EUSHEEN, NIKO CRAY, WINDSTAR, CHA CHA, AND FROMPY
Jay and Silent Bob, The Freak Brothers, Towelie, Tommy Chong, and Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski: all classic characters from pop culture, all famous for being the absentminded and unmotivated embodiment of being a stoner. These images helped perpetuate the myth that weed will make you a lazy and befuddled person, always stuck somewhere between a weed hangover and the next sesh.
THE STEREOTYPE of the befuddled, unmotivated pothead who wakes up at noon and constantly forgets everything is a powerful image that has been used for everything from scare tactics to marketing. However, is this depiction of what weed does to your brain really indicative of long-term Cannabis use, or is it merely a myth? A couple of recent studies on the long-term effects of Cannabis use — specifically on energy levels and cognitive function — have sought to determine whether this perception of the stoner brain is a real thing or just another marijuana myth.
WILL WEED MAKE YOU LAZY?
This January, a study published in SAGE Journals examined the “emotional, motivational and self-regulatory effects of frequently getting high.” The test subjects, who each got high five times a day for a week straight, were tested periodically to register their emotional state and levels of motivation and conscientiousness. Importantly, researchers found during this testing that they found no evidence of the so-called weed hangover. Dr. Michael Inzlicht, one of the authors, told the University of Toronto, “There is a stereotype that chronic Cannabis users are somehow lazy or unproductive. We found that’s not the case. … Their behavior might change a bit in the moment while they’re high, but our evidence shows they are not lazy or lacking motivation at all.”
The paper found that, overall, people using Cannabis reported more positive emotions and fewer negative ones. Very frequent users displayed a lack of self-control and decreased organization relative to less frequent users, but Inzlicht said this attraction to distraction didn’t make them less “hard-working, responsible or able to focus.” Perhaps it's not that stoners are unable to act but that we’re acting everywhere all at once and just deciding where to land the blow. However, they did point out that this was a sample of 260 people who were willing to sit in a room high and be repeatedly asked, “How do you feel?”
WILL WEED MAKE YOU STUPID?
A 2024 Danish study on brain behavior followed the relationship between long-term Cannabis use and IQ levels. Created as a follow-up to a report on age-related cognitive decline, the research team was able to gain access to over 5,000 male participants, divided them up between Cannabis users and non-users, and again by when they started using weed. The examination looked at extensive health questionnaires and a cognitive test given to Danish male citizens at ages 22 and 62. Using this data, along with their history of Cannabis use, scientists stated that they could find “no significant harmful effects of Cannabis use on age-related cognitive decline.” In fact, the test subjects who used Cannabis showed less decline from early adulthood through late midlife when compared to those who never tried weed.
“There is a stereotype that chronic Cannabis users are somehow lazy or unproductive. We found that’s not the case.”
The paper concludes, “Among Cannabis users, neither age of initiation … nor frequent use was significantly associated with greater age-related cognitive decline.”
Looking at their findings, potheads came out a full 1.3 IQ points lower in cognitive decline compared to sober citizens. While rich in data, this test sadly has an information blind spot, as they weren’t able to also examine non-male test subjects to better understand the facts. However, having this jumpoff point creates a greater need for additional testing. When we take a look at this data, it’s hard to still subscribe to the idea of an old stoner whose brain can’t remember where they put their pipe when it’s in their hand. It seems like these studies show tokers are keeping a pretty sharp mind, even if we are still prone to letting that mind wander.
