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(Music by Lordx)
Watching glassblower Kiva Ford transform searing, molten glass into a crystalline solid is thrilling to behold. It takes far more dexterity than I ever realized (it should come as no surprise to learn that Kiva was once a professional juggler). Observing the intangible take form allows me a window into a handicraft that straddles art, science and a storied history of apprenticeship.
Aside from Kiva’s pastime of creating miniature distillation vessels and delicately curlicued glass jewelry, he holds a full-time job as a scientific glassblower, whipping up all manner of wild apparati — extractors, reactors, condensers, and custom flasks. The vessels used in chemical research are incapable of mass production; each piece has been meticulously handcrafted for thousands of years.
About the filmmaker: Alex Rappoport is an award-winner director, cinematographer, and editor based in upstate New York. This is his first video for Etsy.
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on the video player at the top of this post.Watch More Videos at Etsy.tv | Explore Etsy’s Glass Category
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Sign in to add your ownFluffyFlowers said 6 years ago
wickedly groovy :)
JudiPaintedit said 6 years ago
AMAZING!!!!! I wish I knew how to do that considering I paint glass. LOVE IT!!
tigersanddragons said 6 years ago
Wow! I love watching glassblowing, great video. I'm totally enamored of those klein bottle earrings. About ten years ago I met a fellow whose family had been making blown glass christmas ornaments for generations, they didn't like it when he demonstrated his craft, afraid that he would give away their family secrets. Of course he understood that exposing the magic behind the products, only made them more desired when people could see the skill involved.
SchneiderGallery said 6 years ago
fantatsic! I adore your work!
HoneysuckleLane said 6 years ago
Watching glassblowing is fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing your craft with us.
TellMeLucille said 6 years ago
Wow! That's truly amazing!
MaLaMiNaKaNo said 6 years ago
Amazing!!!! Absolutely great!!!! Love it....
GemmaBeads said 6 years ago
Absolutely fabulous! Jaw-dropping and intriguing!
MegansMenagerie said 6 years ago
That is amazing!!! Wow!
trashbaggs said 6 years ago
oh I would love to try glass blowing - you have inspired me! thanks for sharing your work!!
StrangeVagaries said 6 years ago
Always wanted to try it. Corning Glass in NY used to let you try it out...
Woolibear said 6 years ago
To work on a scale this small is amazing. You are truly skilled and your work is beautiful, thank you for sharing.
SeaGlassJournal said 6 years ago
Incredibly delicate and intricate glass work. I always enjoyed watching the glass artisans at the Sandwich Glass Museum on the Cape. Gary
stereoette said 6 years ago
Whoohoo! Exciting to see Kiva featured on here. On top of being an amazing lampworker, he's a super nice guy! Congrats, dude!
shtaim said 6 years ago
Amazing! truely inspiring.
mudpuppy said 6 years ago
Oh man, Fascinating and beautiful.
creativityismessy said 6 years ago
Such an amazing artist!!
jechorydesigns said 6 years ago
This was beautiful, the glass, the video, and the music.
OrangeOptimist said 6 years ago
SUPER !!!
Myranda62 said 6 years ago
This is absolutely intriguing...
auntjanecan said 6 years ago
Oh, so interesting and beautiful. Great!
ElisaGomez said 6 years ago
so beautiful!
ChristinaRomeo said 6 years ago
You are amazing....I loved the story...a real treat to watch
SoliDeoGloriaSDG said 6 years ago
Wow, what exquisite work! You are an incredible artist!
SeaFindDesigns said 6 years ago
One of my ALL time favorite shops!! Truly beautiful art!
northcountryglass said 6 years ago
Very cool video. We do hand blown art glass. It's interesting to see that you make scientific glass, something I know nothing about. I really love the miniatures. It's fascinating!
phydeauxdesigns said 6 years ago
Such a fascinating peak into a world so foreign to me!
KMalinka said 6 years ago
Great story! Wonderful shop!
ICNaughtyGlass said 6 years ago
Very cool to see another great glassblower on etsy!!
HvZjewelry said 6 years ago
I wanted to try it one day!
HvZjewelry said 6 years ago
AMAZING!!!!!
loliscreations said 6 years ago
Loved your interview!!!!!!!!!
loliscreations said 6 years ago
Loved your interview!!!!!!!!!
joyscottglass said 6 years ago
I fuse glass and I'm always fascinated by glass blowing. Thank you for your video.
poorjimsvintage said 6 years ago
So cool! They'd be perfect for holding essential oils.
UrbanRevisions said 6 years ago
Thank you Kiva and Etsy for sharing this! Came at a great time for my own glass inspiration, will share this video with lots of others...
krixbeeble said 6 years ago
i love your work! it was cool to view an interview w/ the artist behind the beauty. :D
amaria said 6 years ago
Amazing! Love what can be done with glass especially the animal series with the animals inside the glass.
paramountvintage said 6 years ago
amazing!!!
kaxis said 6 years ago
How weird! I was browsing his shop a couple weeks ago, oggling all of the lovely bottles. Excellent stuff.
zulasurfing said 6 years ago
Thank you for this great video, keep on going your work is just inspiring.
snlcreations said 6 years ago
WOW!! Amazingly beautiful work!!
girliepains said 6 years ago
Wow! They are adorable!
DeShawnMarie said 6 years ago
Love the video, great job! Thanks so much for sharing your world with us. Very inspiring.
accentonvintage said 6 years ago
Great talent and great products!
kathyjohnson3 said 6 years ago
I always wanted to see how that is done, thanks for sharing!
kikisthisandthat said 6 years ago
Totally wish I was rich so I could come and work as your apprentice! Have always wanted to learn this....VERY inspiring work! I am sure you will be a HUGE success!
SkateBetty said 6 years ago
That video was awesome.
Parachute425 said 6 years ago
Fascinating! Thanks for the video. Your items are beautiful.
PthaloAzul said 6 years ago
The handmade portraits are my favorite--especially when they show so much of the process. I could watch glass blowing all day long.
glassartelements said 6 years ago
Loved this video.
Tanith said 6 years ago
I always enjoy watching glass blowing. Thanks for sharing the video.
emwi said 6 years ago
Glass blowing is so amazing. One of my favorite glass blowing artists is Dale Chihuly. He has a large sculpture at the Columbus Museum where I grew up (Columbus, GA). Here's his site if anyone who hasn't seen his stuff is interested: http://www.chihuly.com/
secretjewellz said 6 years ago
Oh My! I love all types of glass. I loved watching the video. Glass blowing is such a beautiful art. Thanks so much for sharing. :)
theroyal said 6 years ago
fancy :)
blessedvintage said 6 years ago
I love the earrings!
greenscribble said 6 years ago
Ahh every time I see the Klein bottle, my mind explodes a little.
dreamyvintage said 6 years ago
Thank you very much for sharing the awesome video! LOVE it, absolutely amazing :)
bernabermek said 6 years ago
I really like your work! its amazing! congrats
MomsCottage said 6 years ago
Wow! Beautiful stuff!
SpareTimeDesigns said 6 years ago
Beautiful work.....great video. Thanks for sharing :)
redemptionart said 6 years ago
Fantastic! Where science meets art! Congratulations. Aloha, Connie
prisonbreak007 said 6 years ago
it's amazing
indigobjects said 6 years ago
Love your work!
cherishshanell said 6 years ago
Beautiful!
LittleWrenPottery said 6 years ago
Amazing! My great grandfather was a glass blower, its something I'm always interested in because it feels like it connects me to the past.
go2girl said 6 years ago
So interesting and what beautiful creations!
SouthpawPolymer said 6 years ago
I was passing by this page on my way to another link when the shop name caught my eye and I had to stop and see more...I've been admiring everything this artist makes since I first laid eyes on it, so it's awesome to see a Kiva Ford feature here!
skrocki said 6 years ago
beautiful items and interesting story!
Iammie said 6 years ago
Amazing!
ToucheVintage said 6 years ago
fantastic work! I've always admired people who can create with glassblowing. I'm jealous, really.
LDDecoline said 6 years ago
Perfection !!! Love Kivas work and his skill is just amazing !!
LDDecoline said 6 years ago
A great film too - fabulous footage !
spontaneousreality said 6 years ago
Fiery Delicacy....very HOT!
BlueberryCream said 6 years ago
Absolutely fabulous!
iowajewel said 6 years ago
wow so cool! i've been collecting images for a glass blowing collage kit for a long time, this inspired me to get it finished so i can list it in my shop!
glasfaden said 6 years ago
Thank you for sharing Kiva's story. Amazing work!
littleshopofphotos said 6 years ago
Very cool!!! Thanks for sharing your fascinating work!!!
BeadSoupJewelry said 6 years ago
I love blown glass, seeing someone make it is amazing!
TheMillineryShop said 6 years ago
I love glas vlowing. Went to corning New York as a very little kid to the Corning factory. It started a lifelong collection of miniature glass animal and I still collect. Great job!
MitosisGlass said 6 years ago
How awesome to see Kiva Ford featured here! He's truly an amazing talent. I found him awhile ago in someone's treasury and have been a huge fan of his ever since. Fabulous!
maggiem09 said 6 years ago
Incredible work! I love your pieces. :]
goldminetrash said 6 years ago
AMAZING!!!!
cajata said 6 years ago
I didn't know you could make glass so tiny. What an artist!
LidiDesign said 6 years ago
WOW! Amazing! Thanks for sharing your talents and great eye for design!
mazedasastoat said 6 years ago
Near where I live the world famous Dartington Glass is produced... you can watch the artists making the items & it's the most fascinating factory tour ever! I just adore the miniature vessels Kiva makes, several of them have found their way onto my favourites list & when my (extremely clumsy) puppy has finally grown up I'm looking to treat myself to one or two pieces!
ModernShop said 6 years ago
So beautiful and delicate!
mrsjade said 6 years ago
This was so beautiful to see. And the sentiment of the artist is very lovely to witness
mrsjade said 6 years ago
This was so beautiful to see. And the sentiment of the artist is very lovely to witness
JasmineLund said 6 years ago
Stunningly gorgeous! Congratulations on the feature!
NanasSewingBasket said 6 years ago
Beautiful!
conspiracytheory74 said 6 years ago
Amazing work.
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy said 6 years ago
Love the blue glass pendant - so beautiful. You have an amazing talent to bring such beauty to life.
KarinHopeDesigns said 6 years ago
What a beautifully done film, with a spectacular subject!!! Congrats to all involved & Thanks to Etsy for featuring it! I have been completely enamored with Kiva's work since I first came across it searching for mini vases. Every one I've purchased so far was intended for myself, but ended up with a few of my mini origami blossoms as gifts for friends and family, & everyone loved them of course! I'm so upset that I couldn't make it to any of his workshops. I hope the opportunity arises again in the near future (hint hint)!
GypsyThreat said 6 years ago
I LOVE this shop and the fact that Kiva makes scientific glassware is awesome!
BanglewoodSupplies said 6 years ago
Simply Magical!
ladybugkarla said 6 years ago
Wow, truly amazing!
dabsh01 said 6 years ago
Beautiful Work....
sobejeweled said 6 years ago
Gorgeous, I included a piece in my first treasury! I am glad to see how you have been 'discovered' and highlighted here :) Roxie
DesignByMagriet said 6 years ago
What amazing talent!
LizzyLizano said 6 years ago
Glass blowing to me has always been amazing, I remember visiting a glass blowing studio when I was a little kid and thought it was the cooooolest thing, I kidda keep that with me always. Thanks for sharing, awesome works! :) Lizzy http://fb.me/lizzylizanojewelry
marjudesignsforyou said 6 years ago
a true artist...
janewearjewelry said 6 years ago
oooh wow thats so neat!
wishartglass said 6 years ago
Blown away! Sending this to my scientist husband who grew up on a farm collecting arrow heads. I'm sure he'll love this story as much as I did!
rebourne said 6 years ago
wow. i really, really enjoy these handmade portraits. i absolutely love going into the workspace, mind, heart, and tools of craftspeople. i love hearing them speak about their work, their inspiration, and seeing their hands create. excellent film. very inspiring.
weirdwolf said 6 years ago
This video is so stunning, I can watch it over and over again! Kiva's methodic yet fluid process, Alex's beautiful visuals... Very satisfying indeed.
MrsFinder said 6 years ago
Fantastical, the video showed the precision with clear vision as to where you are going with your pieces. Wonderful to behold, thank you for sharing, it was a great way to start the day.
ellenhowardhandmade said 6 years ago
glass blowers rock!
jennifermarihageman said 6 years ago
What a great video! We had the pleasure of taking a glass blowing class from Kiva this winter. Not only is his artwork fabulous, he is a fantastic teacher too!!!
chillien said 6 years ago
You are so COOL Kiva!!! Aside from watching a really cool video, I actually learnt something. I had no idea that glass did not convert to a crystalline state. I have always been fascinated by glass blowing and I hope to experience it for myself one day. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lutachi
designlab443 said 6 years ago
Great video!
amyrigs said 6 years ago
Wow! This really is amazing! I would buy if I had the money! :) Beautiful work that you do! Keep it up!
renegadeperceptions said 6 years ago
So cool! I've seen your art around everywhere here on Etsy...
vintagemaison said 6 years ago
I love the green glass ornament - but particularly the tiny green jug next to the clothes peg - so, so beautiful.
vinika said 6 years ago
Those are so beautiful, I once saw artisans in Venice blow glass. It was wicked cool!
TheNightjar said 6 years ago
glass blowing is so fun! I wish I had a workshop to keep doing it....Those miniature vessels are really incredible!! Such skill goes into in
StainedGlassStudio said 6 years ago
Awesome! I love everything here :-) Great talent
janetgreenstudios said 6 years ago
Great talent. It can also be dangerous. If you inhale the fire goes into your mouth. I wish I could do it.! I can't use a computer so I don't want to try it.
janetgreenstudios said 6 years ago
Great talent. It can also be dangerous. If you inhale the fire goes into your mouth. I wish I could do it.! I can't use a computer so I don't want to try it.
dickandfranny said 6 years ago
Great video & stunning work! I posted the video on my blog - http://whetnallwatercolours.blogspot.com/2011/04/glass-blowing.html :-)
LillieRainDesigns said 6 years ago
I love glass and I love torches! Fabulous work!
blevison said 6 years ago
Hey, thank you dickandfranny for reposting this piece!!!!! We love that!
rakubuttons said 6 years ago
Amazing 'real job' and I hope they can never duplicate it enough to be obsolete. I think glass is the ultimate perfect material. In history and in modern times there is nothing so versitile and beautiful. I once knew a gifted glass artist who felt a real passion for his material and craft. Nothing else could fufill him like glass work. Now I love how you love it. The teeny tiny bottles and captured animals are wonderful. I am glad I got a glimpse of your world.
trulyenchanted said 6 years ago
Divine! Your work is absolute perfection---I've always been fascinated by glassblowing but have yet the time and chance to learn--your work is by far the most detailed I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing it with us.
jdrcam said 6 years ago
Wow! I have seen alot of glass blowers in my day, and I have always been amazed with it. But your miniature artistic creations are very intriguing and different. I enjoyed watching your video and have a deep respect for your work. I am so glad that you are helping keep it alive and even introducing new and exciting things to the art! I'm Hooked!
emilybidwell said 6 years ago
Wonderful portrait. I love the comment about the arrowheads and mastering one skill. What a great thing to remember as we often get torn in many different directions with all of the internet and media distractions that seem to be a part of contemporary life. Better to be great at one thing than mediocre at a thousand things.
lemontreecards said 5 years ago
One word....amazing.
FourSailAccessories said 5 years ago
Wow, I just came across your artwork, its amazing. Watching this video made it even more amazing, to see how delicate and precise each movement is.
Glassnfire said 5 years ago
From one artist to another. Very Nice www.etsy.com/shop/glassnfire
justthegoods said 5 years ago
MIND BLOWING! Erm, pun intended (after the fact) =-) =-) =-)
SlinkyLynx said 5 years ago
What incredible skill you have to get perfect symmetry in something so small. You are my new hero!
Elan Buendia from HeylaniJewelry said 5 years ago
Beautiful!! Both Kiva's sweet work, which I've liked for sometime now! AND the video/cinematography! Wonderful Etsy Video! Thanks!
Joanna Alley from GlassGoddessNgraving said 5 years ago
Now I want to engrave tiny bottles =)
Kim Bauer from 1022SeaShellAve said 5 years ago
~~Loved this!
Ravenna Windwalker from thunderbearspirit said 5 years ago
I am absolutely enthralled by your artistry! Your work is incredible
irmin helak from imkadesign said 5 years ago
just one word: MASTER
Geometricink lunzer from GeometricInk said 4 years ago
Great video and what a talent! So much creativity in glass blowing!
Skylar Baldino from OriginalJewelry101 said 4 years ago
I love everything do make! :)
keieneres said 4 years ago
simply amazing ^^
My Homepage said 2 years ago
... [Trackback] [...] Find More Informations here: blog.etsy.com/en/2011/handmade-portraits-glassblowing-with-kiva-ford/ [...]
Patricia Roper from thepoisonappleboutiq said 2 years ago
Beautiful! and Amazing! love everything
Dr K from drksoapcompany said 1 year ago
Amazing!!!
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