Elliot Walker

Glassblower

©Simon Bruntnell

©DavidLeyes

©SamGalbraith

Blown away by glass

Elliot has a bachelor's in psychology from Bangor University
He is a winner of the second season of the Netflix hit show, Blown Away
He has mastered a rare technique called massello

If the world of crafts had its celebrities like the entertainment industry, Elliot Walker would be that person. Netflix has a glassblowing show called Blown Away and he won it going through 10 intense episodes. But it’s the only parallel with Hollywood to make here, the glassblowing is not like partying in Los Angeles, it takes years of theory and practice as well as a meticulous understanding of the craft and precise execution. Elliot has all that, along with charisma and endless energy to go further, achieve more, and create better. His objects are pure glass magic, masterful, witty, and slick. Elliot is one of the most important new glass artists in the UK, a rising star that uses his media platform to promote the craft and inspire new generations of artisans.

Interview

©SimonMackney

©DavidLeyes

How did you learn glass blowing?: I learned vicariously from many masters all over the world through the magic of YouTube. I consider this platform to be a vital tool for artists and craftspeople to learn different techniques. That is especially relevant if they don't have the funds for travel and courses.
What are you inspired by as a glassblower?: I take inspiration from historic forms and art. Currently, still life, but I am also developing a new conceptual focus for my work for the next few years. Tradition in glass making is a very important aspect of my work, but I try to use this within the framework of contemporary sculpture rather than craft.
When did you fall in love with glassblowing?: The first time I saw glassblowing, I really was enamoured by it. It looked very stressful and chaotic, an antithesis of the sculpting that I already knew. I soon learned that whilst this is indeed the nature of the material, the unique symbiosis which develops between the maker and the glass is well worth the pain of production.
How is your craft linked to your home region?: The site of my new studio has been involved in glassmaking and production for over 200 years. The Red House Glass Cone structure in Wordsley, Sturbridge (the original glass factory) is actually one of only four remaining in the UK, and of those, the best preserved.

Elliot Walker is a master artisan: she began her career in 2010 and she started teaching in 2016