Glassmaker with studio in Massachusetts partners with fellow small businesses to sell creations
A glassmaker is partnering with his fellow small businesses in the area to sell his beautiful creations locally made at a Lowell, Massachusetts art studio.
A refurbished factory is the home of Lucas Land Glass. Land is one of several artists working at Western Ave Studios, using the special space to make handblown glass pieces. Using a torch that reaches 4,000 to 5,000 degrees, Land carefully preheats glass tubes in order to shape them into coffee cups, beer mugs and stemless glassware.
Adds signature touch of silver
"A lot of glass work is about being really patient. Letting the glass heat up to the correct temperature. Not trying to rush it, really just taking your time, letting it flow," said Land.
Once he gets the perfect shape, he adds his signature touch.
"I'm taking a real piece of 99% pure silver and I'm going to vaporize it on this super hot torch flame and capture those silver fumes onto the glass," said Land.
Land said he always has a passion for creating glass art and decided to turn it into a profit back in 2019.
"Once I found Western Ave Studios, I realized I could actually afford my own studio space," said Land. "And just being able to walk into a nice clean studio and start working, really was like, oh wow, I really love this. That's something I really want to do full time."
Works with local businesses
Land said partnering with surrounding businesses in Lowell like local breweries and coffee has helped him find success. And while his glass alone is stunning, he said the magic happens once you fill it up.
"What's even more incredible and unique about silver fume on these cups is every time you add your favorite beverage to them...like a nice apple juice, something golden amber in color, you could see it brings out those beautiful pinks and purples," said Land.
Land's unique color-changing glass can be found at weekend markets across Greater Boston and online. He's also planning to expand his reach farther in the future.
"You get to a point in time where you just have to take a chance," said Land. "You just have to go for it."
