“We were all created from sand and breath, and we are all hollow vessels
at times, that are cracked and in need of healing and fire.”

In 1999, Christian Luginger journeyed from Amarillo, Texas to Boulder, Colorado
in order to study offhand and lampworked glass. As an apprentice and student in
various studios, he developed a deep interest and respect for ancient Venetian,
European and Japanese art glass and vessels.

Christian was blessed to learn first hand from icons in the glass world, such as
Robert Mickelson, Roger Paramore, Don Niblack, Milon Townsend, Doug Rem-
schnider, Emilio Santini and Caesare Toffolo. He has studied at the Pittsburgh
Glass School, Glasscraft, Coastal Bend College and the Eugene Glass School.
Christian now develops his own teaching and mentoring abilities by holding private
lessons in his studio. He receives feedback from students, so that he may under-
stand how to better communicate his art to others. Christian’s work has been
featured in the National Liberty Museum, PBS, Flow Magazine, Artful Home 3 and
the American Art Collector. He is also a featured artist on a collection of Glass Art
Collector Cards, and is an active member of the Glass Art Society and the Texas
Contemporary Glass Artists.

Growing up in the heart of Amarillo brought tough times and real experiences for
Christian. He knew art moved him and felt a strong calling but wasn’t sure who he
was artistically. After watching Dale Chihuly on PBS, it clicked and glass was his new
love. Christian took off to Boulder to develop as a glass artist, and bring his knowledge
and culture back to Amarillo. He wanted to share and educate his friends and neighbors
who might be in need of an expressive outlet.

“I see art as a healing mechanism and therapy. People can make connections on so
many levels, and then relate, appreciate, and express themselves more effectively.
I love life’s good and bad times, nature, glass itself and the daily motivation I receive
from our great God. These things help me remember that each of us has a bright light
that needs to shine in some way or another. We were all created from sand and breath,
and we are all hollow vessels at times that are cracked and in need of healing and fire.”

“This medium is challenging not only as a live and moving artform, but also as an ever-
growing business. I must always remain up-to-date about products, trends, and business
development. I juggle the rising costs of materials and energy, maintaining positive
creativity, staying organized and keeping my team flowing. Glass art is blood, sweat,
and tears, with only one shot at perfection. You may work most of the day, but it only
takes one wrong move to lose it all. You cannot just erase or paint over or snap a new
picture. You have one shot…”

“I primarily use borosilicate, colored tubes and rods. I work with traditional hand tools,
and use an oxygen propane mixed torch for encalmo seals, dichroic and filigrana with the
glass itself. I also practice cold-working techniques for producing my jewelry and other
custom pieces.”

“Glass brings balance for me and our world in many ways. It helps me align my mind, body,
and spirit, and it interrelates art, history, mathematics, and science. The world we live in is
a gateway from old to new, from renaissance to fiber optics and so on. Glass has been a
positive influence on all the growth, change, and new technology we use every day. G.A.S.
is an organization devoted to exposing others to the wonders of glass and is a powerful tool.

The people I have met in the glass world have been positive, honest and talented individuals,
which I feel blessed to know. My work has transcended into an art of history, portraying how
pieces developed 500 years ago can still be reproduced today. These objects will live on for
eternity, never changing form. Dreams and careers such as mine can come true with the help
of glass and the circle of artists who give their lives to it. Glass has changed my life for the
better, and allowed me to lead others. My involvement with local charities and international
donations allows me to give back and ensure future generations the chance to express them-
selves constructively and continue the art of glass.”