Hello World of Bongs Community, we got the chance to get a interview with Windstar Glass (Shayla Windstar Behrman):
WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN GLASS IN THE FIRST PLACE?
Well I worked in the industry for quite a while before ever touching a torch and always loved the glass that I personally used and loved selling it. My mother owned a head shop in Pueblo Colorado Mary janes Glass Haberdasher and she asked me if I would be interested in learning how to blow glass in her shop as she thought it would be awesome for customers to watch the process and see the work that goes into the glass. I of course jumped at the opportunity and began working as a glass blower in January of 2014 doing production spoon work.
WHERE DID YOU LEARN YOUR SKILLS?
As mentioned about I learned in my moms headshop and learned how to make my first spoon from my stepdad Darrel Jordan. As the months went by I had the opportunity to work with several artists that came threw the shop and taught me various different techniques. The technique of applying glass to the surface and creating images with it known as surface work stringertech I am largely self-taught and drew inspiration from my previous experience in drawing and painting. Throughout my childhood and early adulthood I was drawn to the arts of all media and therefore I draw on experience and knowledge of all media that I have used thought my life to create the work I do today.
DO YOU CREDIT ANY OTHER GLASS BLOWERS WITH HELPING YOU ACHIEVE YOUR SUCCESS?
I have allot of artists that taught me a bunch and helped to achieve my success of where I am at today. Brock Sibley of getto kid glass was the first artist I watched draw on glass in a condensed reduction marble that he did in my mothers studio. He defiantly gave me the inspiration for what I do today. I also want to thank Matty White and the Champs Glass games crew for continuing to make me push myself in competition and for the exposure the games and Trade Show have brought to my art.
TALK TO ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR STYLE. IT’S VERY COLORFUL!
What I enjoy the most about the style of glass I make is that I can bring to life peoples favorite characters imagery or whatever and make a functional product that people love and helps elevate their senses and enjoy life. I also love the constant challenge that stringertech and glass in general brings to my life. I live for a good challenge and glass has brought me constant challenge and satisfaction in what I can achieve and what I can hope to achieve in the future though hard work and commitment to my art.
WHERE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION COME FROM?
My inspiration is very much derived from what I loved growing up and what I love today. Pop culture definatly influences what I make in allot of ways but most of the time I make things that I can love and appreciate. Because if I love it I know the quality of work will be fantastic and someone else out there will see and love it as well.
WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU MOST LIKE TO WORK WITH?
I love my cadmium based glass colores. Ex, reds yellow, orange really bright and vibrant colors speak to me and help create the best imagry.
WHAT’S THE MOST FAVOURITE PIECE YOU’VE EVER MADE?
My favorite piece to date would the the Vincent Vangough Starry night piece I made Champs Masters Glass Games last February. Starry Night was always a goal of mine to bring to life in glass and during the completion I learned so much and grew so much as a person and an artist it will be really hard to every replace the love I have for that piece or the memories and experiences that came with making it.
WHAT WAS YOUR WORST MOMENT ON THE PATH TO “MAKING IT” AS A GLASS ARTIST?
During the Masters competition in February on the first day I had worked really hard and nearly had my entire piece ready to assemble the next day. As I was going to put my piece in the kiln my handle snapped and all my work smashed on the floor completely shattering my first days worth of work. I was stunned and started crying and next thing I knew their where cameras in my face a crowd of people gawking at my tragedy. Defiantly the most embarrassing moment. I however was fortunate to have some amazing friends run to me and help get me back on the right path. Momma another competitor gave me some of the glass she was using so I could try and pull out a piece on the second day. Kevin Dankman was there to give me a big hug and tell me to pull it together and that I still had 7 hours the next day. And so many more people rallied around me to give me their strength and aid. Troutman Art glass also donated some glass to the cause. And with all of their help I managed to pull out a sith place piece in the seven hours remaining the next day. Couldn’t have done it with out all the help and support of all these amazing people. Really opened my eyes to how amazing and supportive the industry is.
AND WHAT WAS YOUR BEST MOMENT?
Placing sixth in Master in February after such a disaster.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO NEW GLASS ARTISTS?
To always place quality over quantity and to never give up.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE STRAIN/EXTRACT, AND WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE TO DAB IT IN?
I am honestly not to picky about my medicine. I like a good strong indica to help me relax at night and prefer to dab out of my own work.
IF YOU COULD MAKE YOUR “DREAM” PIECE, WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
The Dream is always changing and there is a new one each and every day. A year ago I would have said a Starry night themed piece but that has already been made. So I honestly cant tell you what my dream piece would look like.
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 think it would be amazing to make a piece for Bob Dylan or maybe Willy Nelson
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR GLASS ARTISTRY IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY?
This is a fantastic time for the world of Glass artistry not only is the ability to share knowledge growing ever easier but new techniques and ideas are constantly emerging. I think with the further acceptance of Marijuana as medicine and a as recreational substance the art will continue to expand and perhaps be more acceptable to the public. I look forward to a day when we can teach glass blowing in schools and bring such and ancient art out of the dark ages and into a new light.
FIRST WE HAD BONGS, THEN THE RISE OF DAB RIGS HAS SERIOUSLY ELEVATED THE STATUS OF GLASS ARTISTS – WHAT’S NEXT?
That is a wonderful question and the answer is I truly do not know. As artist we watch fads come and go everything from dab rigs to q-tip jars. I think the industry will continue to evolve and the substance most widely used will evolve. I suppose the mad scientists really are the ones that will bring our industry further to the next level and the artists will probably make it fashionable and functionable.
IF YOU WERE SHIPWRECKED ON A DESERT ISLAND AND YOU COULD ONLY HAVE THREE ESSENTIAL PIECES WITH YOU, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE, AND WHY?
Hmm I think I would choose a functional cup that way I could blaze and drink at the same time.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC TO WORK TO/DAB TO?
When it comes to music I am truly eclectic. I love and hate everything and find myself growing bored and everything starts to sound the same. For the past year, my inner nerd has taken over and I really enjoy listening to audio books. I work really long hours and find it helps me stay motivated and intrigued when listening to a story. Historical fiction is my favorite genre to listen to.
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