Art

Art of Glass

How Hot is Agnes of Glass?

Considering the summer temperatures, one would think that it depends on what time of day you are at her studio. That is not necessarily true. The furnace at the studio is kept at an constant 2100 degrees, 24-7. However, that doesn't mean that it's too hot to visit. My first meeting with Agnes Sanchez was nearly a month ago at an art opening. I was impressed with her confidence and direction. I then needed to know more, see more and understand more of the art of glass blowing.

Born and raised in Denver, Agnes was first introduced to the ancient art of glass blowing in 1992 while studying Graphic Design and Fine Art at the Community College of Denver. After graduating in 1996, Agnes started building her own studio equipment. She also worked with Quantum Artworks in Denver for four years creating numerous production lines with other glass artists. By 2000, Agnes had completed each apparatus that is needed to create hand-blown glass and opened her studio, gallery and artwork to the public.

Walking into the gallery is like walking into a candy store. Your eyes are dazzled by the colors that greet you, and I became amazed by the textures, yes, textures, within some of Agnes's vessel creations. Agnes creates anything from paper-weights and cork stoppers to tumblers, bottles, ornaments and vessels. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind work of art. One impressive series is Agnes' Caribbean vessels. The colors that are in captured in glass take you far from the mountains of Denver and straight to the shores of the tropics. Color is important when blowing glass. Even just the smallest bit of color added to a creation can have the most powerful effect. Agnes finds her colors from all over the world--stunning yellows and greens, magenta and even lapis blue.

With the furnace at 2100 degrees, 12 hours later, the raw material of glass, called batch, becomes liquid, allowing you to play with it. Creativity flows from the mind and hands of Agnes. Because glass blowing is a very physical form of art, Agnes may only create once or twice a week. However, the rest of her week may be filled by students, as she offers basic design and technique to the novice glassblower through the Colorado Free University Catalog under Elite Glass Blowing. Glass blowing is done either standing or kneeling. Agnes prefers the kneeling style, and while in Italy some time ago, noticed the benches that the glass blowers there used, and upon returning to the states built her own 'Italian glass blowing bench.'

Besides showcasing her unique style of art-work within her own gallery, Agnes has displayed her work at Interior Settings Design & Furnishings in Park Meadows in Littleton, Light Spot Modern Design, Abend Gallery and Earth Spirit in Denver and the Gentry Gallery of Golden.

Upcoming for Agnes Sanchez is her 'Agnes Solo' show, September 6, First Friday, at her own gallery, where she will sell her normally priced vessels that range from $500-$1000 for a minimum price of $295. Agnes also plans to raffle off another vessel and possibly other goodies throughout the opening. Agnes of Glass is located at 2717 E. 40th Avenue, three blocks east of York, between Clayton and Fillmore, 303-399-4066. Here's to seeing you along the art circuit. --W. L. Pitton

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