"Fluidity, Form and Fun" - The Glass Expressions of Ed Branson.

The Sandwich Glass Museum is privileged to exhibit this well-known and respected contemporary glass artist from April 6 – August 20, 2006. He is the recipient of numerous awards, honors and accolades. His stunning work is in private collections such as Ms. Anwar Sadat’s and Holyrood Palace, Scotland.

His works focuses on the creative glassblowing process. He strives to not only capture the color and form but also the magic of glassblowing. His work is inspired by the colors and forms of nature. He is quoted as saying, “mastering the material is understanding it; not controlling it.” And, he has indeed mastered it! His designs are achieved through experimentation with traditional and original techniques, which explore the liquid quality of glass.

He lives with his wife and two children in western Massachusetts. His studio is an old refurbished apple barn and there he creates his extraordinary work. He designs and creates glass using traditional techniques and tools and has been selling glass since 1984. His work is available in some of the most prestigious galleries and shows throughout the U.S.

In his own words

My assistants and I work primarily producing my established designs. Some of these pieces require one assistant but some are challenging enough that three helpers are needed. The teamwork required is intense but gratifying. These production sessions provide us with the practice and repetition needed to hone our glassblowing skills.

When possible I take time to design and experiment. I believe that mastering this material is understanding it rather than controlling it and so it is important that the glass’ natural fluidity and organic qualities be reflected in the final piece. Since these characteristics are most apparent when the glass is hot and flowing my creativity focuses on the glassblowing process. I begin by looking for new techniques and ways of shaping, forming, and coloring the glass. This type of experimentation leads to many mistakes and broken pieces but often it surprises me by creating a form I did not know was there. I trust the glass. I search for new forms that somehow feel familiar. I hope that some of the magic of glassblowing and the hot liquid motion of glass are manifested in my work.

I have explored, over the past 22 years, some of the infinite possibilities that glass’ beauty and powerful colors offer. Glass has taught me to see the colors and shapes of our world in new and meaningful ways.

I am fortunate to spend my life developing a skill that allows me to pursue beauty.