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I began glassblowing in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2000, and have pursued this avocation in addition to my online antique business since that time. After three years of facing the challenges of this most elusive art form and alternating periods of frustration and improvement, I have now began to develop a number of styles which I hope to expand on in the future. I enjoy creating glass that is evocative of the natural world around me, including earth, sky, water and rocks, and featuring swirling and misty colors which imply the dynamic aspects of nature. Glassmaking is an ongoing process for me, there are no plans to quit my "day job". But it has become increasingly rewarding to explore my creativity and refine my skills in this extremely challenging art.

Earlier this year my local newspaper, the Melrose Free Press published an article on my work. This has been very encouraging to my enthusiasm to continue experimenting in this field. And it is nice to have neighbors and friends say "I saw you in the paper, and I didn't know you did that..."

From the Melrose Free Press:

BLOWING HIS CAREER
By Lori Ashline
published in Melrose Free Press
Thursday, July 1, 2004

Sometimes, during a down moment in a frenzied day, the fantasy about pursing a dream - becoming a fishing guide, playing jazz piano or writing the great American novel - creeps in among the deadline pressures and ferrying the kids to soccer practice. Usually the moment is merely an indulgence. The dream fades. The routines and responsibilities take over.

Some tenaciously hang on to their vision: Melrose's Gary Borkan is one who did, giving up a career in scientific research for antiques and glass blowing. The results of that pursuit are now on display at the Hourglass Gallery on Main St. which sells Borkan's multi-hued, swirling vases.

A few decades ago, educated with a Ph.D. in biological anthropology, Borkan was employed in aging research at the Veterans Administration in Boston. After 10 years, he decided to switch fields and devote his full attention to his long-standing interest in antiques. He specializes in antique posters and prints which he sells online from his own Web site at www.rare-posters.com.

"I am a visually oriented person and I've always appreciated art," Borkan said. "I have been interested in learning glassblowing for 30 years. When I first came to Boston, I looked into glassblowing instruction, but could not find a studio that offered any opportunities."

Borkan eventually found his chance to explore his interest thanks to a Melrose artisans' gallery. The Hourglass Gallery offered classes taught by the artists whose work it features. Borkan attended a class taught by Walter Prince an experienced glassblowing artist. During conversation Prince mentioned another antique dealer who also created glass artwork at the same studio. Borkan was surprised to learn about Ken Ostrow's glassblowing avocation. Ironically, Ostrow was a colleague whom Borkan had known for 15 years.

Borkan and Ostrow worked out a deal in which Borkan would assist Ostrow with his glassblowing, and Ostrow would teach Borkan the basic techniques in exchange. Every Tuesday for the past four years the two have created glass artwork in a studio in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The art of glassblowing has been around for many centuries. The tools and methods used today would be familiar to an artisan working in the 1500s. Even after 500 years of modern civilization, the process remains taxing. It requires specific highly refined skills be executed precisely in a short period of time before the glass cools. These subtle skills take a very long time to perfect, and few people find the learning process easy. In fact, just a half year ago, Borkan contemplated giving it all up.

"You need a very high level of concentration during the entire process. It also requires great eye-hand coordination. Both of these skills did not come easily to me and yet were essential for successful outcome. I found it very challenging."

However, earlier this year Borkan made some small, but significant, changes in his technique and became more encouraged about his capabilities. After noticing a definite improvement, he felt confident enough to experiment with color and composition to begin to develop his signature style.

"I like the swirling effect I can give to the colors by twisting with the large, metal tweezers when the glass is still molten. Then I thought of nature as my inspiration," Borkan said, showing off an oval vase. The top half is a dazzling robin's egg blue background with gentle wisps of white and royal blue. The bottom is dotted with specks of greens randomly reaching into the blue hues. Gazing at this piece one can imagine being in a meadow on a perfect summer's day. Sure enough, "earth and sky" provided the inspiration for the piece. To fully appreciate the artistry, the eye must view the piece from various angles and directions. Each turn and tilt of the vase offers the opportunity to see beautiful distinctions of color and shape from different perspectives.

Borkan acknowledges the tremendous support of others who have contributed to his progress -Walter Prince for piquing his interest, Ken Ostrow for his teaching, his wife, Martha, for her encouragement and Lorrie DiCesare, proprietor of The Hourglass Gallery, for promoting his art in Melrose.