Gary Bodker is exactly the type of artist we love to showcase at Unison. Based in Portland, Oregon, Gary is the creator of striking glassware pieces. Beyond the eye-catching, colorful designs, Gary’s handmade approach to his creations makes each one a uniquely beautiful work of art.
Growing as an Artist
Gary Bodker didn’t set out to become a glassblower. When he enrolled at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 2005, he had his sights set on an architecture degree. “After the first semester, I enrolled in an introductory glassblowing class and was hooked,” Gary says. “I decided to switch my major from architecture to glass. From then on, I was in the glass studio as much as I could be.”
After RISD, Gary moved to Portland, where he began working in glassblowing studios. Those years of refining his craft eventually led him to open his own studio in 2014. Today, he leads a team of two to three glassblowers who help produce many of the smaller items in his collection. But even with assistance, everything is still completely handmade and closely directed by Gary himself. “My intention was to always have a team make some of the work so that I could focus on design, refinement and new products. Glassblowing is a team sport, and it’s one of the aspects that I love about glass.”
Gary’s glassblowing process has evolved over the years. First trained with an emphasis on Italian-style techniques, he later learned about the production side during his years working in other studios. And while his glassblowing technique is masterful, there’s a significant level of artistry that begins well before the final products are made. “When I come up with a new idea, I usually ‘sketch’ it out by making the object over and over until I can refine the process and design,” Gary explains. “Once I figure out the most efficient production method and overall aesthetic, I translate that into full production and train my team on how it’s made.”
Functional Glassware for the Home
At Unison, we’re proud to feature a collection of Gary Bodker’s modern glassware pieces. Each one is handblown at Gary’s Portland studio, which results in variations in size and shape. Featuring organic curves and lines, these pieces are reminiscent of soft shapes found in nature. At the heart of these decorative pieces is a naturally evolved artistic sensibility. “My main goal has always been to try and let the glass have a voice of its own. As a glassblower, I can control the glass, but I enjoy setting up rules for the glass and letting it find its own shape,” Gary says.
You can see how this process translates into singular forms in the colored glassware collection at Unison. Each of Gary’s Orb Vases features clear glass paired with a splash of translucent color to create a distinctive display for florals or greenery. With the added versatility to be displayed as sculptural objects all on their own.
Equally important as the artistic inspiration, however, are the practical applications for these pieces. “I strive to make products that are not only beautiful but also functional,” Gary explains. “When form and function work together, I consider that a success.” His glass tumblers and carafes feature timeless silhouettes. These classic shapes make entertaining memorable whether you’re serving water, juice, wine or cocktails.
It doesn’t take much effort to imagine these simple yet beautiful pieces in any home. There might be a soft flicker of tinted light streaming from a intimate dining tablescape, an elegant stem emerging from a vase in the entryway, or a lively array of color presented on the kitchen counter.
The tinted glassware allows for mixing and matching or creating a coordinated set. Besides adding colorful accents to your own decor, the Gary Bodker Glassware Collection is perfect for gifting at housewarmings, weddings and other special occasions.