NEWS

Refined by Fire

Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise
Erich Minton uses damp newspaper to shape glass in his glassblowing shop in Bartlesville. Erich has been working with glass for over 18 years and was first introduced to glassblowing at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where he graduated as an art major.
Erich Minton uses damp newspaper to shape glass in his glassblowing shop in Bartlesville. Erich has been working with glass for over 18 years and was first introduced to glassblowing at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where he graduated as an art major.
Andy Dossett / Examiner-Enterprise
Erich gathers clear glass out of his kiln that runs at a constant 2140°F 24/7.
Erich gathers clear glass out of his kiln that runs at a constant 2140°F 24/7.
Andy Dossett / Examiner-Enterprise
Erich peaks around his heat shield, protecting himself from the glory hole, slowly spinning the glass, waiting until it's the right color indicating the piece was at the correct temperature for shaping.
Erich peaks around his heat shield, protecting himself from the glory hole, slowly spinning the glass, waiting until it's the right color indicating the piece was at the correct temperature for shaping.
Andy Dossett / Examiner-Enterprise
Erich must move quickly from the 2300°F glory hole to his workbench to shape the glass. The piece could be ruined if the glass is at the wrong temperature and the process must start all over again.
Erich must move quickly from the 2300°F glory hole to his workbench to shape the glass. The piece could be ruined if the glass is at the wrong temperature and the process must start all over again.
Andy Dossett / Examiner-Enterprise
After working on a few pieces, Erich poses for a portrait in the middle of his glass studio.
After working on a few pieces, Erich poses for a portrait in the middle of his glass studio.
Andy Dossett / Examiner-Enterprise