Hello World of Bongs Community, today we got a interview with Shane Johnson (CarWash Glass), a young and talented artist from Minnesota that works collaboratively with Lucia Martineau:

WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN GLASS IN THE FIRST PLACE?

There was a furnace glass course available through the sculpture program at university, I took it on a whim and it ended up changing my whole trajectory. While I originally started school for graphic design I graduated with a degree in Sculpture instead.

WHERE DID YOU LEARN YOUR SKILLS?

University Wisconsin – Stevens Point Sculpture program a few artist taught classes, artist demos and a lot of self teaching.  

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

Redtailglass was one of the first people that showed me the ins and outs of pipemaking and really changed my view of pipemaking as an artform.

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

I like vibrant catchy colors and clear lines. I try to make things feel organic but otherworldly. I find inspiration in design and nature but also space and fantastical things.

WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU MOST LIKE TO WORK WITH?

Glass, wood, metals, concrete, and pen & paper.

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

The Hetty Pot gravity bong made for Season 2 Tournament of Fire is one of my favorites.

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

Burning my lips on a hot blow tube, I’ve only done it once but I’ve never forgotten

AND WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MOMENT?

Making the first large sale.

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

Learn as much as you can. Take a class, watch videos, and try it again  

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

Tangerine haze out any good handpipe will do

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

Something big and glassy made in collaboration with some great people. Something that looks real fancy.

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?

A donut chillum for Beyonce.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR GLASS ARTISTRY IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY? FIRST WE HAD BONGS, THEN THE RISE OF DAB RIGS HAS SERIOUSLY ELEVATED THE STATUS OF GLASS ARTISTS ‐ WHAT’S NEXT? 

I hope that the glass world keeps evolving and people keep pushing the boundaries of glass with the industry, but I’m not sure what future holds

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

Probably a handpipe like a sherlock , a big beaker tube and a bottle for water.

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

I like largely instrumental or electronic music, stuff you can get lost in.