Hello World of Bongs Community, we are back with a interview with Cynthia DeMatteo (DeMatteo Art), a creator of sweet, wonderful characters:
WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN GLASS IN THE FIRST PLACE?
I have always created some form of art for as long as I can remember. I spent several years as a clay sculptor before I got my hands on a torch. My original goal was to recreate my clay designs with all glass to achieve the highest quality possible.
WHERE DID YOU LEARN YOUR SKILLS?
I was introduced to glass through loved ones and friends although the learning process never really ends. There will always be more to learn and new ways to grow.
DO YOU CREDIT ANY OTHER GLASS BLOWERS WITH HELPING YOU ACHIEVE YOUR SUCCESS?
My talented husband Black Bart Glass has been my daily guide to glass from day one. Also, I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for my good friend Grime Glass and his family. I am not very social in general, but the glass community is full of good heart-ed people who always seem to be willing to help and share information.
TALK TO ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR STYLE.
Most of my art is based on Pop culture characters that I personally love. Occasionally I am inspired by life around me such as anatomy and nature. I am very much a perfectionist and I pride myself in attention to detail.
WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU MOST LIKE TO WORK WITH?
I love mixed media pieces and working with new materials although glass, clay, and paint are definitely my favorites. I’m really a sculptor at heart.
WHAT’S THE MOST FAVOURITE PIECE YOU’VE EVER MADE?
My favorite glass creation so far would have to be a tie between the opal filled Oogie Boogie pendants that I made with my friend Dollhouse Glass and the Alien Autopsy pendant collab with Ghost. After all, two minds are greater than one and those were simply stunning!
WHAT WAS YOUR WORST MOMENT ON THE PATH TO “MAKING IT” AS A GLASS ARTIST?
Every time I ruin something that I have spent hours working on. I put so much time and effort into every piece; it is quite devastating when things don’t work out.
AND WHAT WAS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT?
Every time a collector says that my piece is their favorite. Also, the few times that I have been noticed by my glass heroes.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW GLASS ARTISTS?
Patience and persistence is key. Some things simply take a long time. Don’t rush the process or you will end up with sloppy work.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE STRAIN/EXTRACT, AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE TO DAB IT IN?
My current daily driver is a Cactus rig that looks like a cat, made by my husband. We call it the “Cat-cus”. As far as favorite strain goes, I’m not hard to please. I enjoy any high quality hybrid.
IF YOU COULD MAKE YOUR “DREAM” PIECE, WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
A massive compilation of cartoon/movie characters from the 90’s would make a pretty epic piece especially if it was a collab with all of the artists that I look up to.
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 would love to see some respectable celebrities and politicians come out in strong support of cannabis. It would be wild to make a space themed piece for someone like Neil Degrasse Tyson or an American themed piece for Bernie Sanders.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR GLASS ARTISTRY IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY?
I really hope that every aspect of the glass industry blows up as cannabis becomes legal across the country and owning glass becomes more common. I for-see boro making a larger presence in the fine art community. I also think that it’s only a matter of time before competition based television looks toward the arts.
IF YOU WERE SHIPWRECKED ON A DESERT ISLAND AND YOU COULD ONLY HAVE THREE ESSENTIAL PIECES WITH YOU, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
A canteen, a cast iron skillet, and a knife should do the trick. I don’t think a further explanation is necessary.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC TO WORK TO/DAB TO?
Actually, I prefer to have Netflix or Hulu on in the background as I work. I often watch programs related to whatever character I am working on at that time.
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