Hello World of Bongs Community, artist Lucia Martineau works collaboratively with Shane Johnson as CarWash Glass. She found the time to answer some questions for you: 

WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN GLASS IN THE FIRST PLACE?

In my high school art-metals class we were taught how to make soft glass beads on a hothead torch, then, when I attended University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point to pursue a sculpture degree they had furnace glass as an elective. I signed up right away and I have been hooked ever since.

WHERE DID YOU LEARN YOUR SKILLS?

I learned most of my basic skills while in school. We worked mostly in the hot shop, which taught me how glass moves and how to manipulate it. We were able to use a couple little Carlisle Mini CC’s  in our own time which introduced me to borosilicate. I really didn’t develop my skills in boro until we set up our own shop and I began to work with it everyday.

DO YOU CREDIT ANY OTHER GLASS BLOWERS WITH HELPING YOU ACHIEVE YOUR SUCCESS?

Shane, the other half of CWG, we started this together and I wouldn’t be where I am without him.

TALK TO ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR STYLE. IT’S VERY COLOFUL – WHERE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION COME FROM?

I find a lot of inspiration from the contrasting colors in nature and the man made world.

WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU MOST LIKE TO WORK WITH?

Aside from glass, I enjoy photography, drawing, ceramics, metals….Pretty much all of it.

WHAT’S THE MOST FAVOURITE PIECE YOU’VE EVER MADE?

My favorite piece is actually something I made in my kiln glass class in school and it is my face cast using the Pate de Verre technique. I really love the fragility and translucent qualities you can achieve through this process.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT ON THE PATH TO “MAKING IT” AS A GLASS ARTIST?

I don’t think I’ve had a most embarrassing moment yet, but I’m sure I’ve asked plenty of stupid questions and behaved like an overexcited noob.

And what was your best moment?

Not sure, it’s always changing. Figuring out new techniques is always exciting and something I was proud of one day I might change my mind on another. There are always satisfying moments. I like the small things, like a perfectly placed dot or when you pull a stringer just right.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW GLASS ARTISTS JUST STARTING OUT?

Take a class if you can, find artists to observe working, and utilize the internet. It’s full of valuable information.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE STRAIN/EXTRACT, AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE TO SMOKE IT IN?

Hmm, I’m not sure there are so many out there. I mostly prefer indicas and I like a good old fashion beaker bong.

IF YOU COULD MAKE YOUR “DREAM” PIECE, WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?

I wanna make a marble the size of a bowling ball.

WHO WOULD YOU LIKE, MOST OF ALL IN THIS WORLD, TO HIT YOU UP FOR A PIECE, AND WHAT PIECE WOULD YOU MAKE FOR HIM/HER?

I respect and look up to a lot of artists, it would be awesome if someone who’s been working with glass for decades asked me for a piece of work. I make mostly pendants, so I hope they’d ask me for one of those.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR GLASS ARTISTRY IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY? 

I look forward to see how the community evolves as more states legalize and the work becomes even more widely respected.

IF YOU WERE SHIPWRECKED ON A DESERT ISLAND AND YOU COULD ONLY HAVE THREE ESSENTIAL PIECES WITH YOU, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

A drinking water vessel. Some glass arrows. Sherlock.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MUSIC TO WORK TO/DAB TO?

It varies. I spend a lot of time listening to podcasts including Stuff You Should Know, Invisibilia, American History Tellers, This American Life, and Freakonomics. Music is all over the place and depends on the day and mood, electronic to rap/hiphop to indie, ect. Atmosphere, Brasstracks, Childish Gambino, Cherub, Emancipator, The Floozies, Lemon Jelly, Vince Staples, but there are too many to names.