Geir Nustad

Glassblower

©Jurian Den Besten

©Ben Deiman

Spellbound by the magic of glass

Geir was first drawn to glassmaking at the age of six
His work includes filigree, sculpture and large-scale blown glass
He is inspired by nature and aspects of society

Geir Nustad was born in Tromsø, in the north of Norway, in 1984. In 2006 he moved to Sweden, where he trained to become a glassblower at the Kosta Glascenter, one of Europe’s most renowned glass schools. He then moved to the Netherlands for further study at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam. Geir has also worked alongside different skilled masters to improve his skills. Currently living and working in Amsterdam, his practice as an artist ranges from drawings and paintings to objects, sculptures and installations that consist mainly of glass, either as a sculptural medium or related to design/applied-arts.

Interview

©Geir Nustad

©Ben Deiman

When did you first think of picking up this craft?: At the age of six, I was visiting a glass studio with my father. When we came out, I said: “When I grow up, I’m going to be a glassblower!” I forgot all about it until around the age of 20 when I felt a sudden attraction towards this material.
Was it a calling you couldn’t resist?: From the first time I experienced liquid glass, I knew it was what I wanted to do. I have always been interested in art and working with my hands, and I was so spellbound by the magic of liquid glass since you can do things that are impossible with other materials.
What techniques do you employ in your workshop?: My aim is to develop new expressions, forms and possibilities with glass. I specialise in a unique surface treatment of glass, which makes it look like other materials. I have also perfected new ways of working with glass filigree.
How do you combine tradition and innovation in your work?: By mixing traditional techniques with new ways of using them, changing them or breaking the rules that determine how and what you are supposed to do with them. What I aim to do is incorporate new expressions and possibilities with modern technology.

Geir Nustad is a master artisan: he began his career in 2006 and he started teaching in 2015