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(Music by Lordx)
Watching glassblower Kiva Ford transform searing, molten glass into a crystalline solid is thrilling to behold. It takes far more dexterity than I ever realized (it should come as no surprise to learn that Kiva was once a professional juggler). Observing the intangible take form allows me a window into a handicraft that straddles art, science and a storied history of apprenticeship.
Aside from Kiva’s pastime of creating miniature distillation vessels and delicately curlicued glass jewelry, he holds a full-time job as a scientific glassblower, whipping up all manner of wild apparati — extractors, reactors, condensers, and custom flasks. The vessels used in chemical research are incapable of mass production; each piece has been meticulously handcrafted for thousands of years.
About the filmmaker: Alex Rappoport is an award-winner director, cinematographer, and editor based in upstate New York. This is his first video for Etsy.
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Watch More Videos at Etsy.tv | Explore Etsy’s Glass Category
136 comments
Sign in to add your ownFluffyFlowers says:
wickedly groovy :)
1 year ago
JudiPaintedit says:
AMAZING!!!!! I wish I knew how to do that considering I paint glass. LOVE IT!!
1 year ago
tigersanddragons says:
Wow! I love watching glassblowing, great video. I'm totally enamored of those klein bottle earrings. About ten years ago I met a fellow whose family had been making blown glass christmas ornaments for generations, they didn't like it when he demonstrated his craft, afraid that he would give away their family secrets. Of course he understood that exposing the magic behind the products, only made them more desired when people could see the skill involved.
1 year ago
SchneiderGallery says:
fantatsic! I adore your work!
1 year ago
HoneysuckleLane says:
Watching glassblowing is fascinating! Thank you so much for sharing your craft with us.
1 year ago
TellMeLucille says:
Wow! That's truly amazing!
1 year ago
MaLaMiNaKaNo says:
Amazing!!!! Absolutely great!!!! Love it....
1 year ago
GemmaBeads says:
Absolutely fabulous! Jaw-dropping and intriguing!
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
That is amazing!!! Wow!
1 year ago
trashbaggs says:
oh I would love to try glass blowing - you have inspired me! thanks for sharing your work!!
1 year ago
StrangeVagaries says:
Always wanted to try it. Corning Glass in NY used to let you try it out...
1 year ago
Woolibear says:
To work on a scale this small is amazing. You are truly skilled and your work is beautiful, thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
SeaGlassJournal says:
Incredibly delicate and intricate glass work. I always enjoyed watching the glass artisans at the Sandwich Glass Museum on the Cape. Gary
1 year ago
stereoette says:
Whoohoo! Exciting to see Kiva featured on here. On top of being an amazing lampworker, he's a super nice guy! Congrats, dude!
1 year ago
shtaim says:
Amazing! truely inspiring.
1 year ago
mudpuppy says:
Oh man, Fascinating and beautiful.
1 year ago
creativityismessy says:
Such an amazing artist!!
1 year ago
jechorydesigns says:
This was beautiful, the glass, the video, and the music.
1 year ago
OrangeOptimist says:
SUPER !!!
1 year ago
Myranda62 says:
This is absolutely intriguing...
1 year ago
auntjanecan says:
Oh, so interesting and beautiful. Great!
1 year ago
ElisaGomez says:
so beautiful!
1 year ago
ChristinaRomeo says:
You are amazing....I loved the story...a real treat to watch
1 year ago
SoliDeoGloriaSDG says:
Wow, what exquisite work! You are an incredible artist!
1 year ago
SeaFindDesigns says:
One of my ALL time favorite shops!! Truly beautiful art!
1 year ago
northcountryglass says:
Very cool video. We do hand blown art glass. It's interesting to see that you make scientific glass, something I know nothing about. I really love the miniatures. It's fascinating!
1 year ago
phydeauxdesigns says:
Such a fascinating peak into a world so foreign to me!
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
Great story! Wonderful shop!
1 year ago
ICNaughtyGlass says:
Very cool to see another great glassblower on etsy!!
1 year ago
HvZjewelry says:
I wanted to try it one day!
1 year ago
HvZjewelry says:
AMAZING!!!!!
1 year ago
loliscreations says:
Loved your interview!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
loliscreations says:
Loved your interview!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
joyscottglass says:
I fuse glass and I'm always fascinated by glass blowing. Thank you for your video.
1 year ago
poorjimsvintage says:
So cool! They'd be perfect for holding essential oils.
1 year ago
UrbanRevisions says:
Thank you Kiva and Etsy for sharing this! Came at a great time for my own glass inspiration, will share this video with lots of others...
1 year ago
krixbeeble says:
i love your work! it was cool to view an interview w/ the artist behind the beauty. :D
1 year ago
amaria says:
Amazing! Love what can be done with glass especially the animal series with the animals inside the glass.
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
amazing!!!
1 year ago
kaxis says:
How weird! I was browsing his shop a couple weeks ago, oggling all of the lovely bottles. Excellent stuff.
1 year ago
zulasurfing says:
Thank you for this great video, keep on going your work is just inspiring.
1 year ago
snlcreations says:
WOW!! Amazingly beautiful work!!
1 year ago
girliepains says:
Wow! They are adorable!
1 year ago
DeShawnMarie says:
Love the video, great job! Thanks so much for sharing your world with us. Very inspiring.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Great talent and great products!
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
I always wanted to see how that is done, thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
kikisthisandthat says:
Totally wish I was rich so I could come and work as your apprentice! Have always wanted to learn this....VERY inspiring work! I am sure you will be a HUGE success!
1 year ago
SkateBetty says:
That video was awesome.
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Fascinating! Thanks for the video. Your items are beautiful.
1 year ago
PthaloAzul says:
The handmade portraits are my favorite--especially when they show so much of the process. I could watch glass blowing all day long.
1 year ago
glassartelements says:
Loved this video.
1 year ago
Tanith says:
I always enjoy watching glass blowing. Thanks for sharing the video.
1 year ago
emwi says:
Glass blowing is so amazing. One of my favorite glass blowing artists is Dale Chihuly. He has a large sculpture at the Columbus Museum where I grew up (Columbus, GA). Here's his site if anyone who hasn't seen his stuff is interested: http://www.chihuly.com/
1 year ago
secretjewellz says:
Oh My! I love all types of glass. I loved watching the video. Glass blowing is such a beautiful art. Thanks so much for sharing. :)
1 year ago
theroyal says:
fancy :)
1 year ago
blessedvintage says:
I love the earrings!
1 year ago
greenscribble says:
Ahh every time I see the Klein bottle, my mind explodes a little.
1 year ago
dreamyvintage says:
Thank you very much for sharing the awesome video! LOVE it, absolutely amazing :)
1 year ago
bernabermek says:
I really like your work! its amazing! congrats
1 year ago
MomsCottage says:
Wow! Beautiful stuff!
1 year ago
SpareTimeDesigns says:
Beautiful work.....great video. Thanks for sharing :)
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
Fantastic! Where science meets art! Congratulations. Aloha, Connie
1 year ago
prisonbreak007 says:
it's amazing
1 year ago
indigobjects says:
Love your work!
1 year ago
cherishshanell says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Amazing! My great grandfather was a glass blower, its something I'm always interested in because it feels like it connects me to the past.
1 year ago
go2girl says:
So interesting and what beautiful creations!
1 year ago
SouthpawPolymer says:
I was passing by this page on my way to another link when the shop name caught my eye and I had to stop and see more...I've been admiring everything this artist makes since I first laid eyes on it, so it's awesome to see a Kiva Ford feature here!
1 year ago
skrocki says:
beautiful items and interesting story!
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Amazing!
1 year ago
ToucheVintage says:
fantastic work! I've always admired people who can create with glassblowing. I'm jealous, really.
1 year ago
LDDecoline says:
Perfection !!! Love Kivas work and his skill is just amazing !!
1 year ago
LDDecoline says:
A great film too - fabulous footage !
1 year ago
spontaneousreality says:
Fiery Delicacy....very HOT!
1 year ago
BlueberryCream says:
Absolutely fabulous!
1 year ago
iowajewel says:
wow so cool! i've been collecting images for a glass blowing collage kit for a long time, this inspired me to get it finished so i can list it in my shop!
1 year ago
glasfaden says:
Thank you for sharing Kiva's story. Amazing work!
1 year ago
littleshopofphotos says:
Very cool!!! Thanks for sharing your fascinating work!!!
1 year ago
BeadSoupJewelry says:
I love blown glass, seeing someone make it is amazing!
1 year ago
TheMillineryShop says:
I love glas vlowing. Went to corning New York as a very little kid to the Corning factory. It started a lifelong collection of miniature glass animal and I still collect. Great job!
1 year ago
MitosisGlass says:
How awesome to see Kiva Ford featured here! He's truly an amazing talent. I found him awhile ago in someone's treasury and have been a huge fan of his ever since. Fabulous!
1 year ago
maggiem09 says:
Incredible work! I love your pieces. :]
1 year ago
goldminetrash says:
AMAZING!!!!
1 year ago
cajata says:
I didn't know you could make glass so tiny. What an artist!
1 year ago
LidiDesign says:
WOW! Amazing! Thanks for sharing your talents and great eye for design!
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says:
Near where I live the world famous Dartington Glass is produced... you can watch the artists making the items & it's the most fascinating factory tour ever! I just adore the miniature vessels Kiva makes, several of them have found their way onto my favourites list & when my (extremely clumsy) puppy has finally grown up I'm looking to treat myself to one or two pieces!
1 year ago
ModernShop says:
So beautiful and delicate!
1 year ago
mrsjade says:
This was so beautiful to see. And the sentiment of the artist is very lovely to witness
1 year ago
mrsjade says:
This was so beautiful to see. And the sentiment of the artist is very lovely to witness
1 year ago
JasmineLund says:
Stunningly gorgeous! Congratulations on the feature!
1 year ago
NanasSewingBasket says:
Beautiful!
1 year ago
conspiracytheory74 says:
Amazing work.
1 year ago
RomanceCatsAndWhimsy says:
Love the blue glass pendant - so beautiful. You have an amazing talent to bring such beauty to life.
1 year ago
KarinHopeDesigns says:
What a beautifully done film, with a spectacular subject!!! Congrats to all involved & Thanks to Etsy for featuring it! I have been completely enamored with Kiva's work since I first came across it searching for mini vases. Every one I've purchased so far was intended for myself, but ended up with a few of my mini origami blossoms as gifts for friends and family, & everyone loved them of course! I'm so upset that I couldn't make it to any of his workshops. I hope the opportunity arises again in the near future (hint hint)!
1 year ago
GypsyThreat says:
I LOVE this shop and the fact that Kiva makes scientific glassware is awesome!
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
Simply Magical!
1 year ago
ladybugkarla says:
Wow, truly amazing!
1 year ago
dabsh01 says:
Beautiful Work....
1 year ago
sobejeweled says:
Gorgeous, I included a piece in my first treasury! I am glad to see how you have been 'discovered' and highlighted here :) Roxie
1 year ago
DesignByMagriet says:
What amazing talent!
1 year ago
LizzyLizano says:
Glass blowing to me has always been amazing, I remember visiting a glass blowing studio when I was a little kid and thought it was the cooooolest thing, I kidda keep that with me always. Thanks for sharing, awesome works! :) Lizzy http://fb.me/lizzylizanojewelry
1 year ago
marjudesignsforyou says:
a true artist...
1 year ago
janewearjewelry says:
oooh wow thats so neat!
1 year ago
wishartglass says:
Blown away! Sending this to my scientist husband who grew up on a farm collecting arrow heads. I'm sure he'll love this story as much as I did!
1 year ago
rebourne says:
wow. i really, really enjoy these handmade portraits. i absolutely love going into the workspace, mind, heart, and tools of craftspeople. i love hearing them speak about their work, their inspiration, and seeing their hands create. excellent film. very inspiring.
1 year ago
weirdwolf says:
This video is so stunning, I can watch it over and over again! Kiva's methodic yet fluid process, Alex's beautiful visuals... Very satisfying indeed.
1 year ago
MrsFinder says:
Fantastical, the video showed the precision with clear vision as to where you are going with your pieces. Wonderful to behold, thank you for sharing, it was a great way to start the day.
1 year ago
ellenhowardhandmade says:
glass blowers rock!
1 year ago
jennifermarihageman says:
What a great video! We had the pleasure of taking a glass blowing class from Kiva this winter. Not only is his artwork fabulous, he is a fantastic teacher too!!!
1 year ago
chillien says:
You are so COOL Kiva!!! Aside from watching a really cool video, I actually learnt something. I had no idea that glass did not convert to a crystalline state. I have always been fascinated by glass blowing and I hope to experience it for myself one day. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lutachi
1 year ago
designlab443 says:
Great video!
1 year ago
amyrigs says:
Wow! This really is amazing! I would buy if I had the money! :) Beautiful work that you do! Keep it up!
1 year ago
renegadeperceptions says:
So cool! I've seen your art around everywhere here on Etsy...
1 year ago
vintagemaison says:
I love the green glass ornament - but particularly the tiny green jug next to the clothes peg - so, so beautiful.
1 year ago
vinika says:
Those are so beautiful, I once saw artisans in Venice blow glass. It was wicked cool!
1 year ago
TheNightjar says:
glass blowing is so fun! I wish I had a workshop to keep doing it....Those miniature vessels are really incredible!! Such skill goes into in
1 year ago
StainedGlassStudio says:
Awesome! I love everything here :-) Great talent
1 year ago
janetgreenstudios says:
Great talent. It can also be dangerous. If you inhale the fire goes into your mouth. I wish I could do it.! I can't use a computer so I don't want to try it.
1 year ago
janetgreenstudios says:
Great talent. It can also be dangerous. If you inhale the fire goes into your mouth. I wish I could do it.! I can't use a computer so I don't want to try it.
1 year ago
dickandfranny says:
Great video & stunning work! I posted the video on my blog - http://whetnallwatercolours.blogspot.com/2011/04/glass-blowing.html :-)
1 year ago
LillieRainDesigns says:
I love glass and I love torches! Fabulous work!
1 year ago
blevison says:
Hey, thank you dickandfranny for reposting this piece!!!!! We love that!
1 year ago
rakubuttons says:
Amazing 'real job' and I hope they can never duplicate it enough to be obsolete. I think glass is the ultimate perfect material. In history and in modern times there is nothing so versitile and beautiful. I once knew a gifted glass artist who felt a real passion for his material and craft. Nothing else could fufill him like glass work. Now I love how you love it. The teeny tiny bottles and captured animals are wonderful. I am glad I got a glimpse of your world.
1 year ago
trulyenchanted says:
Divine! Your work is absolute perfection---I've always been fascinated by glassblowing but have yet the time and chance to learn--your work is by far the most detailed I have ever seen. Thank you for sharing it with us.
1 year ago
jdrcam says:
Wow! I have seen alot of glass blowers in my day, and I have always been amazed with it. But your miniature artistic creations are very intriguing and different. I enjoyed watching your video and have a deep respect for your work. I am so glad that you are helping keep it alive and even introducing new and exciting things to the art! I'm Hooked!
1 year ago
emilybidwell says:
Wonderful portrait. I love the comment about the arrowheads and mastering one skill. What a great thing to remember as we often get torn in many different directions with all of the internet and media distractions that seem to be a part of contemporary life. Better to be great at one thing than mediocre at a thousand things.
1 year ago
lemontreecards says:
One word....amazing.
315 days ago
FourSailAccessories says:
Wow, I just came across your artwork, its amazing. Watching this video made it even more amazing, to see how delicate and precise each movement is.
255 days ago
Glassnfire says:
From one artist to another. Very Nice www.etsy.com/shop/glassnfire
222 days ago
justthegoods says:
MIND BLOWING! Erm, pun intended (after the fact) =-) =-) =-)
151 days ago
SlinkyLynx says:
What incredible skill you have to get perfect symmetry in something so small. You are my new hero!
130 days ago
Elan Buendia from HeylaniJewelry says:
Beautiful!! Both Kiva's sweet work, which I've liked for sometime now! AND the video/cinematography! Wonderful Etsy Video! Thanks!
97 days ago
Joanna Alley from GlassGoddessNgraving says:
Now I want to engrave tiny bottles =)
85 days ago
Kim Bauer from 1022SeaShellAve says:
~~Loved this!
85 days ago
Ravenna Windwalker from thunderbearspirit says:
I am absolutely enthralled by your artistry! Your work is incredible
64 days ago
irmina helak from imkadesign says:
just one word: MASTER
63 days ago