With your help, of course, ABSOLUT Vodka will be awarding a prize of $120,000 to one promising Vancouver artist whose vision, passion, and body of work define Vancouver as the absolute home for the arts. With the BC government’s recent cuts in funding, it’s more important than ever to support the local arts community. The wining artist, who will use this prize money to build their business and profile in the Vancouver arts scene, will be chosen based on your votes.

5 QUESTIONS WITH BRADEN
I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the finalists, Braden Hammond, a Vancouver-based flame-working glass artist, to gain an insider’s view into this unique craft.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I make glass jewelery and art at least five days a week. I have a passion for melting and blowing glass and creating beautiful things for people to wear and enjoy. My mind is usually swimming with creative thoughts. I try to burn off steam at the gym when I can.

2. Why glass?

To me, a piece of glass is like a blank canvas. The fact that glass has endless possibilities is what inspires me every day. Glass is a truly unique and delicate medium. I’m so lucky to make beautiful pieces of art every day. I truly love what I do.

3. How do you make art out of glass?

It starts with melting the glass and putting it in a kiln. The work has to stay in the kiln to anneal and I can’t fully check it until the next day when it’s cooled down. I find myself darting towards the kiln most days as I arrive at my shop. I love to see the fruits of my labour. It’s very rewarding!

4. We heard that it hasn’t always been easy for you. Tell us about your struggles along the way.

The road to success as a flame-working glass artist is paved with many challenges. Learning the basic concepts of flame-working glass took me a number of years, during which I broke lots of glass, burnt my fingers, and dropped pieces of glass on the floor (which I would later step on). But with hands-on training from the best in the industry, combined with patience, determination, and passion, I developed a strong skill set over the years.

5. How can people support the ABSOLUT Vancouver artists?

The best thing that you can do to show your support is to vote, since ABSOLUT will be choosing a winner based on your votes. You can cast your vote here.

Take a look at the video below for more thoughts from Braden and to watch some live flame-working glass action.