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Origin Story
A Creation story
I was lucky enough to find glass when I was 12 years old at the state fair in my hometown of Syracuse, New York. From that moment forward I was focused and told my entire family and close friends that this was the path i wanted for my life. Fast Forward to 2008 where I received news of acceptance from Alfred University, where a year later the core learning began. Fully immersing myself in the artistry of a creative craft was the privilege of a lifetime. Learning under a humble American master, Angus Powers, while being surrounded by many other skilled artisans finding their personal voice. During the early days of falling in love with this material I noticed that my personal heroes started in glass production factories around the world. Looking toward my future and through recommendation led me to Simon Pearce in Vermont. This crystal glass factory is where my learnings of the past became the roots that run deep. Working for eight hours a day along side of those who had already been making for twenty years was a tough road to walk. Though six years of what those in our profession refer to as the grind, that I am forever grateful for, I tore my left labrum in my pelvis after lifting heavy glass lighting. After intensive surgical recovery I was cleared to continue my passion.
Finding my footing at another Glass lighting factory of a different flavor, Niche Modern in Beacon, New York not long after. This position found me using everything I had learned from both of my previous educations in glass. Colorful elegant lighting rooted in simplicity that was created by craftsmen who I found astonishing in way of their breathe of skill, I knew this was where i needed to be. After another version of the hard knocks I was presented with the privilege of running the team and equipment of niche's beautiful hotshop. At the time I had just turned twenty seven and this position was a mountain to climb. The work being incredibly challenging while coping with the idea that my colleges and teammates were much older than me comes with its certain challenges. When I say that i felt ten years of growth in two and a half short years, I could not be more serious. Creating 40 pieces oflarge lighting a day! This opportuniy ended abruptly with yet another torn labrum on my right side, laying me up for another 6 moths of surgery and recovery. Through getting to know myself well enough in these moments of healing i saw it right step back into the Art world and work for serveral artists in the southern tear of Vermont as that state will always hold a special place in my heart, working for artists such as Nick Keckic and Robert Du Grenier. When starting this journey in learning about the Italian island of Murano, telling myself I would experience this by the time I was 30 years old was the dream. Holding true to this I found myself traveling to the glass mecca right after my 30th birthday to learn from Maestro Davide Fuin. Being surrounded by the culture where many of the techniques I use today were created was the opportunity of a lifetime while feeling honored to meet and speak with one of my heroes Lino Tagliapietra, I was determined to make it last for as long as I could. Meeting another Young Maestro on the island named Fabinao Zanchi would change the course of my path forever as one year later I moved out to work for him and his family north of Venice. Making at least 2 large chandeliers a day with the extremely skilled team and family he had built. Traveling with him after this opportunity in Venice to work for Lava on the island of Aruba was the culmination of this two year traveling adventure. Coming home to the states and happening upon the job as the showman for Walt Disney World was a full circle moment for me, as I was once the 12 year old looking at a craftsman performing their artistry in front of one hundred people an hour. I loved experiencing what it might have been like for me to ask all the questions that were being presented to me at rapid fire from young curious minds. Another year goes by and i receive the opportunity to be the Gaffer and create glass for James Mcleod and his company Cleod Glass in Massachusetts where i currently reside creating, teaching, and continuing to grow through my craft on a daily basis. It is imparative moving forward to share the knowledge and teachings that were provided to me by those who I hold in high regard. Thank you wholeheartedly to these artisans and teachers of this beautiful material to whom I am indebted forever.
I still hope to be like you one day.
-Kevin Edward Dunn
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