Artist Statement
For Me, creating with glass is a way of putting smiles on faces. Sometimes I create brightly colored critters with wild intricate eyeballs that bring laughter. Sometimes I play with techniques that create conversations and questions like, “How the heck did you do that?!” I’ve also found ways to illuminate jellyfish with an amber colored base that give a warm cozy feeling to people. Some of the large vortex marbles, I bring into existence, seem like a portal to another dimension. When peered into they really open up the mind of the viewer. I guess in short, it’s the love, light, and laughter I see in people’s reaction to my work that inspires me. The way my work makes people feel, that’s the true value of what I do.
Artist Bio
Alex Fritz was first introduced to flameworking back in 1998. As a student pursuing a degree in graphic design at SDSU, he moved in with a sweet couple who had a local glass business by the name of Glass Distractions. Taken in by the flame crafted creations and the process that produced them he began to frequent their studio. One day they asked Alex to give it a try and soon he was passionately consumed with this fascinating new medium. After several inspiring years apprenticing for his friends, Kev and Jenee Turner he moved on to build a studio of his own. It was here that Alex began designing functional art directed at one of his and his lovely wife’s favorite pass times… wine drinking! Alex lives, create’s, and is constantly inspired by the beautiful beach community here in Laguna Beach.
Over the years Alex Fritz’s Award Winning stemware and bottle tops have evolved and expanded into a breath taking variety of colors and styles. All of his hand blown creations are truly one of a kind. Each piece possesses its own individual style and beauty ranging from elegant to whimsical.