Making Glass with Sophie

Glass is one of the most ubiquitous and yet least understood materials in our lives. From the windows that let in light to the mirrors that reflect our images, glass is everywhere, yet we rarely think about the process by which it is made.

For Tony, glassmaking is a way of life. He has been an artisan in the field for as long as he can remember, and his daughter is now following in his footsteps. In this video, he shows us the basics of making stemless wine glasses, a process that requires both skill and a high tolerance for heat.

Working with glass is dangerous and hard, but Tony finds it to be a rewarding job because he gets to see people using the objects he creates. He considers himself an artisan, not an artist, because he makes things that are useful rather than purely decorative.

In a world where so much is disposable, it's refreshing to see something being made by hand with care and attention to detail. Glassmaking is not just a job, it's an art form that combines beauty and utility in equal measure. Watching Tony work is a reminder of the importance of craftsmanship and the value of things made with skill and dedication.