On a family trip to Italy, we visited Venice and stopped into a Murano glass studio. They brought us into a studio and offered a demonstration of how their glass was made. The gaffer gathered a bit of clear glass onto a blowpipe and began working the molten material. Within minutes, a beautiful glass pitcher was formed. Watching that transformation, I knew instantly that I wanted to work with glass.

When I went to college, I finally found my way into the world of glass. At UW - Stevens Point, I was fortunate to join the glassblowing program there. Even when I wasn’t scheduled for class, I often found myself in the studio, watching, learning, and practicing every chance I could to better understand the material. In 2013, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, having laid the foundation for what would become my lifelong passion.

After graduation, I still had the itch to work with glass, but not having my own studio made that difficult. I took on whatever work I could, saving steadily for the tools and equipment I knew I would need. In the meantime I found a few local studios where I could continue working with the material. It was during this time I realized I could make my dream of having a studio of my own a reality. With Obsidian Glassworks by RK, I have created a space where I can both pursue my craft and share the wonders of molten glass with others.

Obsidian Glassworks by RK is still in its early stages, but my goal is to open a full studio where guests can experience glassblowing firsthand. From workshops to private events, I look forward to creating a space where creativity and molten glass come together. Stay tuned for updates by joining the Obsidian Glassworks Insider list.