Hello World of Bongs Community, we are back with Tyler Massoth, a fume master from Michigan:

WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN GLASS IN THE FIRST PLACE?

My parents got me interested in glass, both of them were hobby glass artists when I was born. My father continued to melt glass as I grew up, and eventually I wanted to try. He let me.

WHERE DID YOU LEARN YOUR SKILLS?

Originally, my basic set of skills was passed on from my father. I soon started exploring and experimenting with glass. Through that trial and error I have developed my skills to where they are today.

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

I credit my father Paul for the majority of knowledge I had learned in the early years. Other than that it’s mostly been a solo ride.

TALK TO ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR STYLE.

My style is based around the wonderous alchemy we glass artists call “fume”: The combination of precious metals to create colors. This science has inspired me because it has filled me with wonder; “What happens when I add more of this chemical???” Kind of thoughts have pushed me to the style I now posses. 

WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU MOST LIKE TO WORK WITH?

My materials I prefer are 24kt gold. And 99.99% pure silver.

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

I dont really have a favorite piece ive made. But, i make these rigs with spinning marbles In them. It’s always always challenge and it feels great when they come out properly.

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

My most embarrassing moment of my glass career was probably 6 or 7 years ago. I started making really thick pipes. These pipes could take a beating. I threw one at the ground for a client, and rather than bouncing, it shattered. I didn’t say another word. Just packed my glass up and left. 

AND WHAT WAS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT?

My proudest moment would be my first competition. I took first and second place. It was a great day.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW GLASS ARTISTS?

I would tell new glass artists just hitting the scene to experiment and try new things constantly.

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

I don’t really have a favorite strain. I like smoke for sure, I’m just not picky. I use a few of my own rigs and spoon pipes that I’ve had for half a decade.

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

I don’t know what my dream piece is just yet. I love when a piece has flow and the proportions are proper; I find great satisfaction in making the perfectly shaped spoon pipe. Just as much as if I where to make a flawless rig. To single out one dream piece would be best impossible for me. 

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

I believe as the Cannabis industry begins to become legal and flourish, the glass artists will see an increase in demand. As for what the next big thing will be; there will be a piece of technology that revolutionizes the way people ingest Marijuana and extracts. With how conjoined these two industry’s are, it would almost be inevitable that there will be something glass on this piece of technology. That’s where us artists will step in.

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

My three pieces to take with me to a shipwrecked island would be: my solar lighter, two light fires and a slab of flat glass, I can knapp a mean arrowhead with enough time and materials, I would use this slab to form arrowheads. Lastly a large concave lense of glass, for distilling water.

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

My favorite music changes every week, but odds are you will find me listening to Clutch, a modern, trippy rock band. Or EDM