This was quite the experience. Michael, ever the keen wordsmith, is an intensely focused…read moreprofessional with high attention to detail. It follows that glass blowing is his game.
So here's the deal. In the 1hr class, you'll be under his watchful eye as he guides you through some of the basics. You'll first pick a color scheme to apply to one of four solids. Then you'll enter the belly of the beast, where Meticulous Mike will serve as art director, stage manager and Socratic facilitator. (It will behoove you to know that that last one when you visit the studio.) Like many of the finer things in life, it's the intersection of art and science. He will tease out what you already know and fill in what you don't. Then he'll demo ALL of the steps before execution. This thorough rehearsal is a critical step, as we must consider elements like tools, body position, working time, gravity, rotation, temperature, something called a LEHR, and a kiln-like contraption that screams hot at a spicy 2400ºF. And if you go with a buddy, that adds the extra layer of deciding who needs to stand where and at what time to capture some photos. Lots to think about - but fret not, for you're in good hands.
Once the demo is done, it's time for the real thing. You can expect a good amount of hands-on, although Michael will do some of the particularly technical bits himself (probably for the better - hot glass is finicky, even more so in a neophyte's grubby little mitts). Once the process is done, you've got a neat piece that you can bring home to put on display. How cool! ("No - it's /hot/," Michael will quickly interject.)
** DISCLAIMER ** the cooling process takes about a day. If you're visiting, do NOT schedule Little River on your last day. You'll need to return the following day to collect your handiwork.
** ADDENDUM ** Having just read RM's and JG's scathing 2O24 reviews - aight, sure, the Mike Aura definitely gives has an edgy, punchy, perfectionist flavor if you will. But uh, isn't that called being an artist?
