Biography

     Brendan Blake Glass Art consists of Brendan and his wife, Shauna Blake. Brendan was born in a small town outside of Rochester, New York, where he continues to live with Shauna in their woodland home, along Black Creek. His career prior to lampworking involved working with children as a case manager. He loved working with children but could not accept the politics involved. In the spring of 2000, he made the decision to leave this field and strike out on his own to express his inner vision of the world. This was a big leap and it represents the culmination of a lifetime of hopes and dreams.

     During college, Brendan studied sciences and then switched over to psychology and philosophy. This understanding of the physical world and the world of thought has been and will be integral to his artwork. His decision to leave a career in which he was happy came down to his philosophy that one should seek to maximize their full potential, in order to realize a deeper sense of happiness.

     At this point he knew which direction his life was to move in, but not how to get there. When he is unsure and needs direction or answers, Brendan opens his heart to God and his mind to the world, allowing the answer to reveal itself. In the summer of 2000, that answer came in the form of a dream. He has had this same dream since childhood, but it was always slightly out of focus. This time the dream was crystal clear, he was to be an artist, working with glass.

     Having studied the human experience for many years, Brendan felt artwork would be a great way to share his own truths regarding that experience. Brendan believes that many people are just a step away from their own personal greatness. He thought, perhaps his artwork and personal story of how that artwork came to be would inspire others to take that big leap, to live their lives with authority and chase their dreams.

     Working with glass has been an incredible and joyous challenge for Brendan who is basically self-taught, excluding a couple workshops to get started. The challenge has been met with hard work and a solid vision for the future of his artwork. While he currently works on a small scale, Brendan intends to work on a larger scale as he learns more, while at the same time allowing the truth of his experience to flow more freely into that larger artwork. This effort will take many forms but his purpose will always be the same. This enduring purpose is to help mankind experience the truth of our existence and to cultivate the realization that which divides us is absolutely miniscule when compared to that which unites us.

Artist's Statement

     " Helping to cultivate a sense of wonder within the viewer is my highest goal. The world is a wonderful and magical place, filled with infinite possibilities. Helping others to realize this profound truth and the implications of that truth is my life¹s passion. I achieve this goal in an ongoing basis by allowing this truth to seep further and further into my artwork. Cultivating an appreciation for beauty and life in those who view my work gives me great satisfaction and a sense of purpose I have never known before. It completes me."