Glass Blowing as a form of Mindful Meditation

By Donna McCord

When I began working with glass it changed the way that I related to my surroundings on many levels.  I became more aware of the objects I used in my daily life, more curious about where my cup was from, and how they make toothpicks.  I began contemplating the history of objects, and the inherent energy that is infused in something when it is made, similar to the way that we put energy into food when it is cooked.

Glass is mesmerizing.  It plays a unique role in culture, and has a history that spans over 5000 years.  It is a material that surrounds us in our daily life, and yet remains a mystery.  Working with a material that is 2000 degrees brings us out of our everyday environment.

Blowing glass presents an opportunity to become more aware of ourselves and our surroundings.  Hot glass is sensitive to the natural forces of gravity and temperature. Our awareness of how the glass is interacting with the environment is integral to the success of the piece. 

Our body, our mood, and how we move all affect the final outcome. This creates an opportunity to be more conscious of the present moment.  Working with hot glass requires focus, and constant awareness of how we are influencing the piece. 

About the Artist

Donna began glowing glass in 1999 at the California College of Arts and Crafts. After earning her BFA in glass and photography in 2001 continued to study glass art at the Pilchuck Glass School and at the Scuola del Vetro Abate Zanetti in Murano, Italy with Victorio Ferro. 

Donna currently lives in Seattle, Washington. She had been working on Pilchuck's summer staff from 2000 to 2006 and is currently the school's Art Handler.  She has also taught glass blowing classes at Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle and Art by Fire in Ballard, Washington. Her work is in private and public collections in the United States, Italy, Greece, and Sweden.