David Powers Hot Glass
About the Artist

The Studio:
My studio is located on the campus of the Colorado Rocky Mountain School in Carbondale, Colorado, a small town on the western edge of the Rocky Mountains, 30 miles from Aspen.  The richness of the mountains, rivers, and proximity of the desert influence my colors and forms.

Creating Through the Years:
I have always loved being creative.  My initial glass blowing inspiration was a trip to Murano, Italy where I watched many masters in 1963.  I knew then that I wanted to blow glass, but as a 10-year old I had no readily available opportunities.  Growing up with a darkroom in my basement translated handily as an outlet for my creativity through photography.  Ceramics became a passion in my teen years.  As an apprentice to four potters I came to see the need for mastery of skill while simultaneously developing an eye for form and color.  Also, during high school I started metal-smithing, and later worked for many years as an artist blacksmith.  The plasticity of clay and hot iron combined with the heat of kilns and forges provided excellent preparation for glass-work!

Passion for Learning and Teaching:
I've always enjoyed learning as part of the process of creating.  I am fascinated by how we learn a skill.  Growing up in a family that heavily emphasized education, teaching has been and continues to be a major focus throughout my life.