On the wing of a butterfly
- Leeza Arkhangelskaya
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
Interview with glass artist Hayden Wilson
The story of American art glass is an extraordinary tale of innovation - transforming glass from a purely industrial material into an independent art form. Hayden Wilson (H.W.), an accomplished North Carolina-based artist, shares his dedication to glass blowing with East West Fine Art Owner Leeza Arkhangelskaya (L.A.)
L.A. Are artists important in modern society?
H.W. Artists are important in modern society in that we have the freedom to reflect and critique the world around us in real time. Art throughout history has served as a visual reaction to the current political and social realities of the time. Art serves such an important role today, not only in telling stories or reacting to the world but also serving as an individual way to uplift and bring joy and inspiration into one’s home. It is that connection between the viewer or collector and the artist or work of art that I find so special.
L.A. How do you handle challenges or mistakes during the glassblowing process?
H.W. Glassblowing is inherently difficult. From the moment you pull the molten glass out of the 2000°F furnace until it is finished and placed in a cooling oven, you cannot take your attention off the material for a moment. Much like keeping honey on a stick, you must continually turn the piece to keep it "on center”, then if it gets below 1000°F, it can start breaking apart. This challenge that will forever keep me inspired by glass, if it were easy, I would move to another practice. Glass teaches me not to get attached to material things. When a piece breaks, I try to learn from the mistake and push past it instead of getting frustrated. You learn so much more from mistakes than successes, and that inspires me.
L.A. What are your short and long-term goals for your art?
H.W. My goals as an artist are to continue my studio practices and inspire and support the creative community around me. Operating a glass studio is very expensive and time-consuming; my glass furnace is on year-round, 24/7 at over 2000°F. I hope to constantly push myself to create new work and test new processes. I feel so fortunate to be able to do what I love as a profession and look forward to many years of growth and inspiration with this amazing material.
Hayden Wilson’s glass creations are displayed at East West Fine Art at Galleria Vanderbilt Shoppes.
2359 Vanderbilt Beach Rd • #410 | Naples, FL 34109.
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