Glass Artists Launch Interactive Character Workshop

Hands-on Narrative Techniques

Bear River Glassworks is rolling out an innovative character development workshop led by John Simpson of Blu Sun Glass and Zina Losi Glass. In a recent Instagram announcement, the studio explained that “this class will teach more than just sculpture and will pave the way for students to create their own narrative and to create glass sculptural pieces to tell their story.” Students can attend in person or opt for a live-streamed experience—and all participants receive an encrypted thumb drive with edited footage to keep.

Building On A Legacy Of Collaboration

Simpson, whose handle @blusunglass has amassed a following for his “Wooks” series and collaborative pieces, brings two decades of flameworking expertise to the table. In one of his earlier posts, he teamed up with glass artist Phil Siegel to craft the first member of what he dubbed the “Wook Wizard Council.” He wrote, “There is something very special about working together in person and it really shows in the work.” That spirit of hands-on collaboration carries into this new workshop.

Zinalosi Glass, Jeremy Zina’s studio, joins Simpson as co-instructor. Zina has previously set up complex sculptural elements for Simpson’s memorial piece “Wook #799 ‘Baw,’” a tribute commissioned by @goblinking_710k. In his post, Simpson thanked Zina, saying “you are the best,” highlighting their synergy and shared passion for storytelling through glass.

Interactive Livestream Option

Recognizing that not everyone can travel to the River Arts District, Bear River Glassworks is offering a fully interactive livestream. Remote students will see close-up camera angles of torch work, follow step-by-step demonstrations and submit questions in real time. The studio promises that each registrant “will receive a copy of the edited footage on an encrypted thumb drive to keep,” ensuring that techniques can be reviewed long after the session ends.

What You’ll Learn

• Storyboarding Your Sculpture: Simpson and Zina guide students through sketching character concepts before lighting a torch.
• Flameworking Fundamentals: From gathering glass to sculpting features, attendees watch every torch adjustment in high definition.
• Layered Color & Surface Texture: Techniques to add depth, pattern and personality to blown-and-sculpted pieces.
• Integrating Narrative Elements: How to use small sculptural details—like miniature props or facial expressions—to advance the story of a piece.

From “wook #800” To Your First Figure

Just last month, Simpson celebrated crafting Wook #800, nicknamed “Genhtis,” in a post reflecting on “experimentation, growth, and moments of pure creative flow.” Students in this workshop will start with simpler forms, then progress toward more complex character traits—mirroring Simpson’s own journey from early experiments to remarkable milestones.

A Glimpse At The Workshop In Action

The Instagram image accompanying Bear River’s announcement shows Simpson and Zina side by side at a bench, torch flames dancing under a globe of molten glass. Finished pieces sit on a shelf behind them—tiny heads with exaggerated expressions, each glowing with color bands and filigree patterns.

Why Narrative Matters

“Glass is a silent medium,” Simpson often says, “but when you give it a backstory, it begins to speak.” This workshop emphasizes narrative as much as technical skill. By the end, students will have at least one completed figure and a personalized storyline to go with it—whether that’s a sci-fi creature, a stylized portrait or an abstract character imbued with emotion.

Participants have been tagging friends in the announcement post, with hashtags like #sculptureart, #storytelling and #headyglassart trending under Bear River’s handle. Early registrants include seasoned flameworkers and newcomers alike, all eager to add character-driven pieces to their portfolios.

By combining two respected instructors, a flexible livestream option and a focus on story, Bear River Glassworks aims to set a new standard for glass sculpture education. Aspiring artists and working professionals now have a chance to dive deep into the art of character creation—torch in hand and imagination aglow.

Students can sign up through the Bear River Glassworks website or DM @bear_river_glassworks on Instagram for details and availability.

This is more than a class; it’s an invitation to let your glass tell its own tale.

Reporter

Ratika Pai

 

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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