ARTIST

The History of Glassblowing

The modern art of glassblowing may use modernized equipment, but the essence of working with glass remains an ancient art.  Molding red-hot liquid glass to create a lasting glass artifact is an act that requires a creative mind, dexterous hand work and stamina.  It is very physically draining work.

Throughout history, the basic knowledge and techniques of glassblowing has been highly coveted, and at times, held sacred by only a select few.  This information was carefully guarded and handed down  from glassblower to apprentice for thousands of years.

Throughout history, glassblowers were held hostage for fear of their knowledge being shared.  During the 1st Century A.D., Phoenician glassworkers were forbidden from traveling, although those who escaped spread the art form into present day Switzerland, France,  and Belgium. Similarly, for Venetian glassblowers, leaving the island of Murano.

About the artist

Mark Oberting 

While accomplished artist and Indiana native, Mark Oberting works in a diverse array of mediums, including wood, metal and watercolor, his artistic passion is glassblowing.  The extreme level of difficulty in transforming liquid  glass into a refined form  continually ignites his inner passion.

A true  artist at heart, Mark's diversity is driven by the constant appreciation and awareness of the beauty that is present in every day life.  With the culmination of his perpetual creativity with color, texture, shape and mixed media, each piece is it's own work of art.

Mark's work can be seen at Riley Children's Hospital, The Indianapolis Art Center and the Marian and Eugene Glick Eye Institute in Indianapolis,  in addition to numerous galleries throughout Indiana.