We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrew Leventhal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andrew, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I went to a school specializing in scientific glass blowing. I could have done more research to find artistic and trade schools right out of high school as opposed to a standard College education. Most essential skills were my willingness to try new things and keep at it. The main obstacle in my way is my medical condition, epilepsy. This prohibited me from driving and cause me to rely on others and struggle with memory issues while completing my studies.

Andrew, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

With a thirst for knowledge I was curious how one manipulates the medium of glass. And after struggling in other college settings I finally found one that satisfied my Curiosities for this magical material. I graduated with a degree in scientific glass apparatus fabrication in South Jersey. I went on to learn from many friends and skilled artisans that were veterans in this craft. Both in the scientific and artistic glass world. I decided to build a traveling Studio which allowed me to perform live workshops and demonstrations where onlookers could peer right into a full glass Workshop. For many years I have been creating both production and custom art glass with a wide variety of styles. Additionally I have traveled to many events in many states to perform both workshops and live demonstrations with myself as well as occasional guest artists. I am really proud of overcoming many challenges both personal and as a small business owner coordinating with other artists venues and clients.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to teach as many people about the mysterious medium of glass as possible. Bring this seemingly ordinary material to light will help the public better understand not only what goes into manipulating it but also how magical it really is. Often people think of glass and instantly only think of it breaking, but what about putting it back together? After my time demonstrating I would like to think that I leave an impact on those watching and changed their perspective on the material.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The industry of glass flame working specifically is quite small and I wish I reached out to forums and social media groups earlier on. Many peers since the Advent of the internet are more likely to share what once was knowledge kept secret and only passed from Master to Apprentice. There’s a lot of information available just on those free sites and local groups. But I also wish that I had toward more glass factories that are open to the public such as Corning School of glass and Wheaton Arts. As well as my alma mater Salem CC. Watching the Masters at work is invaluable

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leventhalglass.square.site
• Instagram: @awl.glass
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awl.glass
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-leventhal-64a8403a/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/leventhal-glass-philadelphia
• Other: https://awallentertainment.wpcomstaging.com/glass/

Image Credits

Zak Winokur