In a world filled with limitless creative possibilities, some artists find their niche in the most unexpected places. Zach Gates is one such artist, whose journey into glassblowing began in Baltimore and led him to Philadelphia. From being a collector to a creator of stunning borosilicate glass designs, he continues to allure with his incredible works and techniques.
A Journey Through Time and Glass
When asked what he would do first with a time machine, Gates’ answer was simple: “I’m going back to the dinosaurs!” This playful remark reflects the sense of wonder fueling his artistic vision. Born and raised in Baltimore, Gates’ interest in the medium started as a collector’s hobby. In 2017, he purchased his first glass art piece, created by Andy G, which ignited his passion and led him to explore what borosilicate glass could offer. That same year he had the opportunity to view live glass blowing by Scooby Meow Glass.
In 2019 Gates relocated to Philadelphia, where his journey as a glass artist began. He came with no prior experience, simply drawn to the material’s possibilities. His dedication culminated in his graduation from the renowned Salem School of Glass in 2021. Since then he has enjoyed the amazing artists’ community in the Philadelphia area.
Fuming: The Heart of the Craft
When asked about his favorite aspect of glassblowing, the answer was simple — fuming. Silver striking, a fuming technique, is especially fascinating to him. It involves metal vapor to color glass, and silver produces vibrant hues. Achieving the entire rainbow spectrum through fuming is a key element that adds depth and complexity to his creations.
But fuming isn’t the only technique that draws his attention. Faceting, the process of cutting and shaping the glass to create intricate patterns, complements fuming perfectly. The interplay between the colors from fuming and reflective patterns from faceting gives a stunning, multidimensional quality that’s become his signature style.
The Latest Designs: An Artist’s Evolution
One of the Gates’ current favorite designs is the “Bloopcycler,” which stands out for its unique, fluid structure. This piece, featuring colors from Motena Aura and Greasy Glass, truly pops. The vibrancy of Royal Jelly, Magenta and Pink are particularly striking, allowing techniques like sleeving and ghosting to come to life.
These elements — rich color, intricate technique and fluid design — are central to his work. With each new piece, he blends creativity with technical mastery, and his love for the material deepens.
What’s Next?
Looking to the future, Gates has several exciting projects on the horizon. One of the most anticipated is a drop at Ignite Glass and Gifts, where fans can get a chance to see new creations firsthand. An innovative project is also in the works: “Gemception,” a captivating piece that features a gem within a gem. This unique idea promises to push the boundaries of glassblowing even further, combining the natural beauty of gemstones with the skill and intricacy of glass art.
With exciting projects on the way, the world of glassblowing surely will see more of his captivating creations in the years to come.
