Tropical Iceberg Glass is the glass blowing business established by Tommy Cudmore and Alyssa Getz. Their partnership produces some extraordinary work. Some of you may recognize them from Arts on the Credit 2015. We are thrilled to have them return to Arts on the Credit this year.
Tommy Cudmore started his professional artistic career at 17 using acrylic – a clear plastic material that shares certain attributes with glass. Eventually realizing acrylic has limitations which glass does not, he applied to Sheridan College for Glassblowing. After his first year at Sheridan, he acquired a residency at “The Red Barns” glass studio in Picton, Ontario. There he discovered his love of teaching the material to newcomers. Following his second year of education at Sheridan, Tommy moved to Campbell River, British Columbia to work at “Tideline Gallery” as a lampworker and furnace blower. There he gained a new appreciation for technique, the material, and the studio environment. His organized and meticulous glassblowing style has given him many opportunities including assisting some of Canada’s most well known glassblowers. After only 7 years of working with the material, he is a self employed glass sculptor.
Website: http://www.tommycudmore.com/
Alyssa Getz was first introduced to glass at Sheridan College in 2008, and she immediately fell in love with it. Alyssa quickly picked up on glass blowing techniques and after a productive and successful second year, Alyssa went on to receive a summer residency at The Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, where she further developed her work.Since her graduation from Sheridan College, Alyssa has participated in multiple shows, and continues to refine and create new work. In 2011, Alyssa was awarded the Artist Fellowship from the Living Arts Centre for her exceptional portfolio and diverse technical accomplishments.
“The most important value in my work is truth; my work is an honest exploration of my identity and the world around me, both natural and spiritual. The result is sometimes beautiful and sometimes grotesque but always honest.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tObUYEkufDs Watch this video for a glimpse into the glass blowing process at the studio of Tropical Iceberg Glass.
Tropical Iceberg Glass has designed this magnificent glass sculpture, “Ancient Venus”, for our door prize this year. All you need to do is visit Arts on the Credit on April 9th or 10th and fill in a ballot to enter for a chance to win.
