Hello World of Bongs Community, our friend and amazing artist Matt E. (Mako Glass) found time between his impressive creations to answer some questions:
WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN GLASS IN THE FIRST PLACE?
When I walked home from middle school I passed a little glass gallery and I would tell myself one day I would learn how to do that. I have always been fascinated with glass.
WHERE DID YOU LEARN YOUR SKILLS?
I am mostly self taught. I learned the first 10 years or so along side my good friend Brent Cook of Talent Glassworks. He got started just a little before me. He showed me how to push a mushroom then he traveled for a bit. When he came back I shared the inside out technique i learned with him and we bounced stuff back and forth for several years.
DO YOU CREDIT ANY OTHER GLASS BLOWERS WITH HELPING YOU ACHIEVE YOUR SUCCESS?
I have to give credit to the artists that influenced me. They keep me motivated by showing just how amazing glass can be. Robert Mickelson, Paul Stankard, Darby, Ghost, Salt, Buck, Marcel, And many others.
TALK TO ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR STYLE. IT´S VERY TECHNICAL.
I am a sculptor primarily. I strive to blend sculpting with other styles like scientific or pattern tech. Nature is my biggest influence along with pop culture.
WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU MOST LIKE TO WORK WITH?
Love the new transparent and CFL colors coming out from lots of different manufacturers.
WHAT’S THE MOST FAVOURITE PIECE YOU’VE EVER MADE?
I´ve made so many pieces I don’t have a favorite. I love making Dragons, Octopus, and Cthulhu sculptures.
WHAT WAS YOUR WORST MOMENT ON THE PATH TO “MAKING IT” AS A GLASS ARTIST?
I missed a pin hole on a weld when I was competing at champs in Atlantic City. My first comp all the way on the across the country. I’m from Oregon so it was a long expensive trip to make a dumb mistake.
AND WHAT WAS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT?
Winning 2 gold medals at the Glass Games. It was the next comp after I failed so I felt redeemed.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW GLASS ARTISTS?
Learn from those who know. It’s much more challenging to figure it out your self. You will improve at a much faster rate. Find a style that suits you and stick with it.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE STRAIN/EXTRACT, AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE TO DAB IT IN?
I like Indica. I’m not picky I just like quality
I just use my pieces that are seconds. That way l get to function test and improve design.
IF YOU COULD MAKE YOUR “DREAM” PIECE, WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
I’m not sure but it would be a perfect meld if sculpture and scientific function.
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 make something for a famous musician or actor. I don’t really have a preference but if it were up to my wife it would be Ziggy Marley and that would be awesome!
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR GLASS ARTISTRY IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY?
I wish I knew, I try to follow trends and keep up on what’s hot. I always working on designs with hopes that it will be the next big thing.
IF YOU WERE SHIPWRECKED ON A DESERT ISLAND AND YOU COULD ONLY HAVE THREE ESSENTIAL PIECES WITH YOU, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE, AND WHY?
A tube a rig and a pipe. I think I would be more interested in durability than art in that situation.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC TO WORK TO/DAB TO?
I listen to audio books. I spend long hours at work and it keeps my mind occupied
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