Whether it’s losing his phone in Croatia and still making a friend’s wedding logistics a dream, bouncing around Barcelona or visiting Teotihuacán with his Mom and checking another box on her bucket list, JD is always always ready for an adventure!
JD Maplesden’s journey as a glass artist is a story of passion, growth and relentless pursuit of mastery in a craft that combines fire, glass and imagination. His path was not a straight line, but rather a mosaic of experiences, challenges and breakthroughs that have shaped him into one of the most innovative figures in the world of contemporary glass art.
Starting out in 2001, JD found himself working in between Spokane and Humboldt during the early years of his career. His time there was marked by experimentation and growth, learning the ropes of flameworking through the limited classes that were available. Then in 2007 he had the opportunity to TA for Chris Roesinger at Revere Glass School.. This same year he gained his Color Certification through a class at Glass Alchemy. His scientific dive into colored glass helped him realize the impact it could have on his works. His desire to innovate led him to experiment with fume work, stepping away from the use of vibrant colors and focusing on more subtle, refined techniques. This was just the beginning of his exploration into the art of glass.
From 2008 to 2009, JD helped to build Montage in Spokane, a collaborative space that would later become a hub for the local glass blowing community. He didn’t just learn; he taught others, sharing his knowledge and encouraging the next generation of artists. It was here that JD’s love for teaching truly took root. Over the years, he has continued to teach workshops, including an upcoming one in March 2025 on mixed media in Denver (see his page for details). His passion for teaching was deeply ingrained in his philosophy, believing that sharing knowledge and collaboration were essential to advancing the craft.
By the end of 2009, JD moved to Seattle, where he worked for SwissPerc and learned the intricacies of the lathe. He immersed himself in the open-source learning environment, testing his skills and putting his unique spin on pieces. In 2011, he relocated to Nebula, Ivan’s studio in Bellingham, where he continued his craft while continuing to build relationships on the East Coast.
It wasn’t long before Scott Deppe of Mothership Glass, a fellow artist and mentor, recognized JD’s potential and brought him onto his team. This ultimately led to JD’s role in manufacturing the groundbreaking 2012 “Fab Egg,” a project that won “Most Innovative Product” at the 2013 American Glass Expo. Scott brought JD on stage and gave him recognition and acknowledgement of his integral part of the process.
JD’s breakthrough moment came in 2014 when he launched his solo career, posting his first “Solo Wormhole,” which sold almost immediately. From there his focus on creating wormholes as a canvas for collaborations with other artists quickly earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative glassblowers of his generation.
From 2014 to 2017, JD’s career soared as he traveled across the country and beyond, teaching classes and presenting his work at prestigious events like the Pipe Classic, DFO, and various gallery openings. His 2015 show at Emerald Gallery on the California coast, “An Exploration of the Wormhole,” was a massive success, featuring 46 pieces and collaborations with 43 artists.
Even as his fame grew, JD remained grounded. He continued to travel — teaching and learning — working with friends and colleagues in studios around the world, including a trip to Colombia in 2017 where he helped establish the first public glass blowing demos in the country. Despite an injury setback in 2017, JD’s resilience shone through as he focused his energy on “Vagabond,” his film showcasing the artistic process behind his work. This film debuted at dozens of theaters and glass events across the country.
By 2019, JD was back at the torch, traveling and visiting friends but focusing more on his art than the grind of the industry. He relocated to Eugene in 2020 and continued to work on his passion during the lockdown. By 2023, JD’s journey had come full circle. He returned to Europe to do demos in Switzerland and Spain. That brings us back to today where JD still has his studio in Eugene, but his travels are taking hold again — you’ll find him all over the place in 2025. Keep an eye on his page and check out a live show or class if he’s in your neck of the woods.
JD Maplesden’s career is one of perseverance, growth and transformation. His work — whether through collaborations, solo pieces or workshops — continues to inspire a new generation of artists, leaving an indelible mark on the world of glass art.
Photos for this piece were provided by Jamie Zill (@jlzill), Rex Hilsinger (@Borophoto) and Pyroscopic (@pyroscopic).
