Would glassart fit into your home décor blueprint?  What exactly is glassart?  Can it be a profitable investment, and what are the details one needs to know?  These are some of the questions I’m going to help you answer about the subject and I think you will enjoy the trip.  You’ll see an example of how  glassart is made as well as discover some essential resources if you’re interested in learning more.  I’ll even enlighten you about an annual event at the Miami Beach Convention Center that will be a fun and intriguing show to visit if you’re in the area.  What a great reason to visit Miami in the winter!

Glassart (usually referred to professionally as “art glass”) is an art medium that has been used for centuries that’s evolved into one of the finest and most interesting of all art forms in my opinion.   According to Peenstra Appraisals,  “Art glass” refers to collectible glass pieces that have been crafted into works of art by a glass artisan. This could mean a vase, a pitcher, a bird figurine, a bowl or a variety of other forms.”   To get a quick visual lesson of some of the most beautiful and interesting I’ve seen take a quick peek at a few of one of Dale Chihuly’s most impressive works on his web site.  Dale, from Seattle,  is noted throughout the art realm as one of the most gifted art glass artisans in the world.  Art glass comes in all sizes, colors and styles, and you will be amazed at what’s available on the market.  With today’s energy prices, labor prices, and high taxes, baked into the pricing along with the highly valued craftsmanship of the masters, it’s going to be a lot easier to start with older productions, and here’s an example of what can happen:   “What my research uncovered was that John Lotton had recently retired from blowing glass and collectors were grabbing up his pieces because they knew they would become scarce. I learned that our $800.00 investment had instantly risen in value to about $1400. Today this vase would conservatively bring about $1700.00 at auction!”  That was in 6 years, and comes from Deb Petersen Fitzsimmons of Molten Splendor, who deals in some beautiful wares.

If you decide to take the plunge and invest, be sure it’s not a low quality Chinese import which covers a large portion of the market.  The mass Chinese productions are easily identifiable once you get familiar with the flaws, light weight, surface applications and their over all low quality. Because of a finish that’s usually added, the performance and visual stability of this particular medium is very disappointing.  On the other side of the scale, Dale Chihuly’s hand crafted productions are definitely on the high end, but so is the quality.  That doesn’t mean new productions are the only thing on the market that’s worthwhile. There are plenty of valuable antiques that are beautiful as well as some lesser known artist’s productions that have proven to be amazing art, and a great investment.  As with any art, before purchasing, make sure it’s something you’re going to enjoy for an extended time.  Today’s uptrend may be tomorrow’s downtrend, but if you enjoy your art on a daily basis in your own home or office you’re still going to realize your value.

The number one antique show in the USA will be arriving at the Miami Beach Convention Center February 2nd-6th, 2012 and according to Reyne Haines of “Justglass” who appears on Antiques Road Show, there will be plenty of art glass dealers on hand (over 800 expected) and will be a great place to learn what to look for as well as find beautiful and valuable art “at all price points.”  Older, good quality art glass is easier to purchase and are some of the very best values since you’re not paying for today’s high production costs according to Reyne.  And who knows, you may even win one of the free men’s or women’s Rolex watches to be given away at the event!

Before you go, lets take some quick notes about what to look for according to Glass Facets Glass Collecting:  “The body should be free of paper burns, chill marks and cords. Paper burns are small bits of ash that stuck to the glass when cooling and shaping. They look like dull spots in the layers. Chill marks are uneven waves of glass; they refract light differently than the surrounding area. And finally cords are waves of glass that look like strands of material that refract differently than the surrounding glass.”  Another thing I’ve learned is the deeper the color, the more difficulty there is in achieving a high quality piece.  Additionally as I witnessed at Mary Hill Museum above the Columbia River in the state of Washington  about 18 months ago, was the variety of interesting items that are being made.  I witnessed some gorgeous and intriguing designs by William Morris from Seattle, one of Dale Chihuly’s trainees, who has become very well known in the glass art world for his own expertise.

If you have a safe area to display in your home or office, are excited about this concept, and ares prepared to make an investment into glass art, remember to purchase something you’re going to hang on to and enjoy no matter what the monetary value.  If you get educated, shop carefully, and plan carefully regarding your decor surroundings there’s no reason you can’t find just the item (or two or three, or ?) that fits your style perfectly.  You may even find a decor treasure that will become a financial treasure!

If you’re scouting for some upscale silk floral decor for home or office be sure to check us out.  If you don’t find what you’re looking for, our experienced craftsmen can probably put it together if you let us know what you need at the Silky Flower Store.  If you’re not familiar with us yet we offer silk floral centerpieces, wall sconces, silk plants, silk floral wreaths, and silk trees and topiaries.

Check out the short video of the glass art making process by glass artist Ion Tamaian.  I think you will be thoroughly entertained for 2  1/2 minutes.

My Best,   Billy Goldmark