EPISODE 2 — MONMOUTH
What do you do here, and how would you explain it to someone walking past for the first time?
I’m a glassblower. We make things out of glass, using traditional glassblowing techniques just like it has been done for more than a thousand years. It’s complicated to explain but we melt glass and use a blowpipe to form it while it is molten into various things.
How did you end up working in this creative space and neighbourhood?
Last year I decided to move the studio back to the city. We were previously based out in Henderson, with a separate gallery space in Ponsonby. When this space came up, I couldn’t say no. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Kingsland area —it is where I lived when I first moved to Auckland almost 20 years ago.
What’s something about what you do that people might not notice at first glance?
At first glance folks might not notice that all this glass is handmade. That’s why I really wanted to combine the gallery and the studio. Now when you come in and see all the glass, you can also see where and how it is made.
What part of your process do you care about the most—and why?
I love the whole process. There are many facets but the blowing, the technique of changing the glass from a pool molten material into an object is very satisfying. That knowledge is something that I care a lot about. It is something that I learned from all the other Glassblowers I’ve worked with and studied under and something that I feel obligated to pass on and continue.
When things are flowing, what does a good day of work look like for you?
A good day’s work is hot, sweaty and physically demanding and the annealer is full of beautiful things.
What’s a common misconception people have about your work or industry?
I think most people just have no idea how glass is made. We use it every day. It’s in front of us and around us everywhere we go but most people really don’t think
about how and where it is made.
Kingsland has a strong creative energy—how does the neighbourhood influence what you do?
I think the influence of being here, having people stopping by all day and saying hi really sets an exciting energy in the studio.
What’s your relationship with Atomic—first memories, regular order, or local ritual?
I knew the upholstery shop owner that was in the space that is now Atomic. When Atomic opened, Monmouth Glass Studio was on Monmouth St (our namesake) in Arch Hill. I had coffee on my way to work in the morning all the time.
What are you working on right now that you’re excited about?
I’m working on a few chandelier installation projects that are very exciting. And I’m trying to make space this year for more sculptural work and painting.
Check out Isaac's work at the Monmouth Studio, 3B Central Road, Kingsland, or online at www.monmouth.glass or Instagram @monmouthglassstudio