Blown Art Sculptures ‘Lyra’ By Michael Hunter

Lyra is one of Michael’s blown art sculptures that will have your mind on fire! Black Merletto cane work is very evident in this piece.  Fine black cane is worked around a mould to create this intricate and somewhat organic pattern.

Zanfirico edging, consisting of white edges lined with red and corkscrew twists, really highlights this piece.

One of  Michael Hunter’s beautiful stand-alone blown art sculptures!

Blown Art Sculptures – Artist

With over 40 years working with glass Michael Hunter’s fascination with glass began as a young boy when he won a filigree marble, playing marbles at school. In 1974, at 17 years of age, he started an apprenticeship at Wedgwood Glass in Kings Lynn. It was here that his intrigue was cemented. He wished to create, more complex glass similar to that seen in museums. The master glassblowers with whom he worked were unable to tell him.

Conscious that the techniques of the 18^th century were being lost to history. Michael was determined to learn the techniques.  Numerous visits were made to the museum to take notes. Working in his lunch breaks, Michael tested his latest theory on how glass could be made. After seven years of small successes and failures, he finally triumphed. He had perfected the technique of embedding coloured glass canes and air into the stems of glassware.

After 11 years at Wedgewood, Michael left as a master glassblower and coloured animal maker. He moved to Wales to become a trainee stem maker for Welsh Royal Crystal. It was here that he fine-tuned his skills. He also started to work on the Venetian “vetro” technique, which has become his speciality.

Fulfilling his dream in 1998 Michael set up, Twists Studio Glass with his wife Sue using recycled 24% lead crystal. Which fits in with their recycle, reuse, remake policy. At his studio, Micheal specialises in Venetian cane working techniques.

Michael has exhibited internationally, with work in both private and public collections around the world. He has demonstrated and given presentations across the UK, in Cologne, Germany, New Jersey, Chicago IL, Texas, Oklahoma, New England, Tacoma WA, Norfolk VA, Dearborn & Flint MI in the US.