We were lucky to catch up with Sam Matthew recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sam, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
Many glass artists (perhaps artists in general) produce work that they think their customers want to purchase. In some ways, this can make sense. You believe there is a demand for a specific glass item, say a pumpkin or an ornament. So you dial in how to make these items quickly and efficiently for large-scale production. From a business standpoint, these variables are extremely important, but from an artistic perspective I believe the quality of the artwork suffers.
The first problem with this approach is allowing the customer to dictate your art, and the second is assuming you know what they want.
This quote from Rick Rubin strongly resonates, “In terms of priority, inspiration comes first. You come next. The audience comes last.” He explains that the audience comes last, not because they don’t matter… in fact quite the opposite. By allowing or indeed encouraging the artist to make what they are meant to make, the absolute best possible work gets created.
Sam, 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?
My name is Sam Matthew and I own a glass studio open to the public for classes and events. Teaching allows me to spread this rare and wonderful art while also creating my own work. I offer a variety of classes, helping beginners make their first piece or students who want to actually learn the skills and become a glass artisan. Advanced students can rent and work independently to really find themselves in the glass while making their own art. In addition to a glass art gallery the workshop is a large space perfect for hosting events for up to 100 guests. We also enjoy hosting small groups for special events like work team outings, bridal showers, birthdays, retirements and graduation parties.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
I never imagined I would be an artist, much less a glassblower. But I was completely hooked from the moment I took my first class and got to play with fire while shaping and inflating the molten lava. It was definitely just a hobby for the first several years but when the world shut down in 2020 I left my corporate job to be a stay at home dad. This isolation really helped motivate me to pursue my passion for glass and turn a career into a lifestyle I can enjoy. I had the chance to work at another shop and learn about the equipment while increasing my skills. Just over a year ago I was fortunate to purchase a recently closed glassblowing studio that was fully-functional, and included all the necessary tools. Now I have the freedom to put my MBA to use in managing my own business while it allows me to be creative in making my art.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Rick Rubin’s book ‘The Creative Act: A Way of Being’ was strongly influential in motivating me to take the plunge and purchase my own shop. I was reading this marvelous work at a time when I was frankly bored and burned-out from making the same small items over and over production style for another shop. Rubin espouses a philosophy that encourages the artist to make what they want to make. Not what they think the audience wants to buy. Because then it’s not art, it’s just commerce.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atlantaglassblowing.com/
- Instagram: @atlantaglassblowing
Image Credits
Sam Matthew