THE GLASS ISSUE
ANDY ROTH
If you’re familiar with the work of Andy Roth, then you’re already aware of the stunning, simple elegance and flawless symmetry of his art. His unique vision translated and brought to life through the glass medium results in expertly crafted artwork with intense aesthetic appeal and fantastic function.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM, AND WHERE ARE YOU CURRENTLY BLOWING GLASS NOW? I was born in
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Pennsylvania, but grew up in California. I have spent some time living in Washington state, but have landed back in California near family.
“ I D R AW A LOT O F I N S P I R AT I O N F R O M ARCHITECTURE, WHETHER IT BE FROM A BUILDING, S KYS C R A P E R O R ANY INTERESTING S T R U C T U R E .”
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET ON THE TORCH? I would see beautiful
glass pipe art on the internet, and knew nothing about how they were made. After finding out the glass was melted with a torch, I couldn’t not try my hand at blowing glass. The process of controlling the flow of molten glass has held my attention ever since. HOW DID YOU HONE IN ON YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE – WHAT MAKES AN ANDY ROTH PIECE AN ANDY ROTH PIECE? Architecture and simplicity. I draw
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a lot of inspiration from architecture, whether it be from a building, skyscraper or any interesting structure. And I like to live my life in simple ways, so I think that translates into me designing pieces that are clean of distractions – simple, but sometimes architecturally complex at the same time.
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N I C K E L I N L AYS BY RYA N F I T T A N D JA R E D CORTLAND
IF YOU COULD COLLAB WITH ANY ARTIST OUT THERE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? There are too many
great artists I would love to collaborate with. Both inside the glass world and of other mediums. WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT ASPECT OF BEING A FULL TIME GLASS ARTIST? I would say the most difficult
CO L L A B S W I T H RYA N F I T T & JA R E D C O R T L A N D @ A N DY R OT H G L A S S | @ RYA N F I T T | @ JA R E D CO R T L A N D
APR. 2022
part would be the ups and downs of productivity. Which I think can be said for any path in life. Being inspired or having motivation isn’t always going to be there, so it is important to remain disciplined and keep moving forward. And eventually the inspiration or motivation will flow back.
STORY by NATE WILLIAMS @NATEW415/LEAF NATION | PHOTOS by JARED CORTLAND @JAREDCORTLAND
