Interview
Greg Losco
Greg Losco is the owner of Losco Glass, which is operated from his home studio. After training through Salem Community College’s Scientific Glass Program, Greg worked during the day in a local scientific/production glass shop for about 5 years while getting Losco Glass off the ground; finally taking it full time in July, 2020.
With a thirst to learn as many techniques as possible, he has built himself a reputation and style that that can be seen in stores and private collections across the USA and abroad. Greg’s passion for glass blowing and strong attention to detail culminate Losco Glass’s high-quality work that truly speaks for itself.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I have always been interested in the arts from a young age. As a child, I recall drawing nature scenery around me, as well as insects and animals. As I grew into adolescence, I dabbled in painting and small sculpture; however, it wasn't until studying Scientific Glass Technology at Salem Community College in New Jersey, that I found my passion for flameworking which has catalyzed a future for me in an artistic medium. I have been glassblowing for over 7 years now, honing in my craft by working with different varieties of glass and creating pieces that range from creative drink ware, to holiday ornaments, and one of a kind glass pipes with pinched mouthpieces. There surely is a Losco Glass for everyone!”
“You use a glass mirror to see your face; you use works of art to see your soul.” - George Benard Shaw
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Without getting too personal, I aim to explore themes of oppression, pressure or struggle (particularly in internal conflict), and blossoming from darkness. I want my message to be one of hope for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health, relationships, or self image. These have been some focal points of my personal growth along this journey, and I know how powerfully the mind can work against you. Being capable of changing, evolving, learning, and improving, is something I am starting to conceptualize on paper, but will eventually move to sculptural aspects of larger emotive pieces.”
How would you describe your work?
“Much of my work has been seasonal production based work to sustain my craft, however my passion is in stemware and drinkware. I combine the technical skills acquired as a scientific flameworker, and incorporate them into drinkware that aerates and entertains any beholder with complex and narrow avenues for liquid travel!”
Which artists influence you most?
“This is tough, because there are so many awesome glass artists out there, but the most influential I would have to say are Cesare Tofollo, Lucio Bubbacco, and Robert Mickelson.”
What inspires you?
“I draw my inspiration from the natural world around us. I am an avid hiker, skateboarder, and enjoy as much time outdoors as possible. That being said, the main driving force behind my inspiration is GROWTH - whether it be in a skill set, our relationships to each other, our own personal development, etc. I express dynamic elements within my growth, such as self worth, identity, shame, expectation, and the joyous, colorful life on the other side of the darkness we all struggle with in life. Countless hours of personal reflection over years of obsessing with techniques, largely being alone through this, have given me a new direction in life - and the skills to pursue it: one with direction, self value, and a healthy lifestyle physically and mentally.”
What is your creative process like?
“When I get into the studio, I like to set the tone of the day with appropriate music, plan my work out on paper, and dive right into the flame. Sometimes, it is very easy to overthink and spend too much time planning a piece, rather than going for it and making any adjustments along the way when needed. Sometimes you spend all day or all week on a piece, and it could break in a second, so as work builds up in a piece, the pressure grows. That is all part of the excitement and rush of flameworking, but losing work with so much time involved can be mentally devastating. You must be calm and relaxed to avoid errors and have your next move planned ahead.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“I think it's an artist's role to call out the facades we see in life every day. In corruption, social life, and the environment, its the musicians and artists who always seem to be on the front lines of conversation and debate. I see that existing more and more these days with the internet and people being able to have full discourse across all topics and walks of life, to have a more complete understanding of life and each other as humanity.”
“Each of us is a carving stone, erecting a column or cutting a piece of stained glass in the construction of something bigger than ourselves.” - Adrienne Clarkson
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“The most noteworthy event I have been a part of is an annual juried local Art show, Brandywine Festival of the Arts, for the last 3 years. I have been to a few local gallery shows as well, but nothing exclusively for my work yet.”
