Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Feeney

Hi Ali, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I have been working in glass for the past 12 years and it has been a unique experience to follow. I have been taken across the world pursuing learning more and improving my glassblowing techniques. I started at Alfred University (2015) and then went on to get my Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Arlington (2020). I have landed in New York City working as a glassblowing assistant, studio technician, art handler, and as a production manager. I have focused on my glassware production company called Mizar and Alcor Glassware where we create color palettes that resemble the color patterns of horses in cups. I am enjoying making pieces for people who have glass dreams and making hand blown glasses for people to take and incorporate into their homes.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It has not been smooth at all throughout this process that is being a working artist. I have learned many techniques, skillsets and adapt to the working field to keep glass so prevalent in my career. I have made many sacrifices to continue to work in glass by working unpaid internships, working for low pay, and working long hours to pay the bills. I wouldn’t change anything about the choices I have made because I have become a resilient and tempered person that allows me to focus on my work. The most important thing I have learned is to keep my passion for glass on the front burner of my mind and I tend to it giving it everything because it does pay off. Maybe not literally with money, but the work I have created and the progress I have made brings me joy and pride.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I am a professional glass blower and studio technician at UrbanGlass which means my day to day looks a bit different from others. Some days I am making pieces for clients that approach me with an idea for me to create, other days I am working on maintaining and repairing the studio equipment and tools. I am proud to be a part of the UrbanGlass community because it is a diverse and positive workplace for me full of people willing to help and connect with others. I love working in a place where products are born and they leave the studio and I see them online in these incredible homes and museums around the city and around the world. What makes me unique from others in my community is my knowledge in different processes of glass making, glass color knowledge, and my unbridled passion for horses. I find understanding glass is my “rabbit” to chase for a long time and I know it will out run me before I ever catch up to it. That is really exciting to me because there’s no stopping what I can accomplish, the material certainly will allow me to experience new things and reach new heights.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?

I think my strongest quality is determination and a certain kind of stubbornness that won’t let me quit. Every time I think I might be at my new low, I could never imagine leaving this glass life behind for something else. It can feel a little delusional sometimes when the world tells you that your job isn’t worthy and isn’t valuable to continue on but I know that there is value in the creative fields. It is evident when people talk about their vision they see themselves fulfilling and they curate their favorite objects in their homes to reflect that vision. I continue to work in glass to achieve my vision for myself that is to make products that are unique and integrate my love for horses into my designs.

Pricing:

• Thoroughbred Tumblers – $80 each
• Mezcal Mustang Coupes – $60 each
• Cantering Carafe – $250
• Pasture Coasters (glass)- $120 set of 4
• Saddle Pad Coasters (felt) – $50 set of 4

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mizarandalcor.horse / www.alifeeney.com
• Instagram: @Ali_Feeney

Image Credits

All images shot by Ali Feeney