Here is the artist statement for the Blenko Celebration Vase
"Mistral" in Seabreeze
First piece in the Blenko Celebration Series
Mistral-inspired by a new color and a wind that blows in the Mediterranean.
The new shape and rippling optic surface was designed by Arlon Bayliss as the first piece in the new "Blenko Celebration Series". This piece will be introduced during the "Festival of Glass" on August 23, 2008.
The artist says:
"I wanted to create a piece that was just perfect for the new color, "Seabreeze". The surface undulates with ripples like the surface of water in the wind, and the multiple curves of the shape capture light and intensify this amazing color. The lively form is also reminiscent of Mediterranean and near Eastern vessels." hjh Being home - is such fun! Posting not in the early am. I promise to get a photo of the entire Bayliss Team for the next article about this Design Team. If you don't plan to be at BLENKO on the 23rd DO PLAN TO ORDER THIS ONE IMMEDIATELY - and Look for the series. This is one Collection you'll want to own. IF you aren't a BLENKO COLLECTOR - Start Now with a Bayliss Team Design!
"Mistral" in Seabreeze
First piece in the Blenko Celebration Series
Mistral-inspired by a new color and a wind that blows in the Mediterranean.
The new shape and rippling optic surface was designed by Arlon Bayliss as the first piece in the new "Blenko Celebration Series". This piece will be introduced during the "Festival of Glass" on August 23, 2008.
The artist says:
"I wanted to create a piece that was just perfect for the new color, "Seabreeze". The surface undulates with ripples like the surface of water in the wind, and the multiple curves of the shape capture light and intensify this amazing color. The lively form is also reminiscent of Mediterranean and near Eastern vessels." hjh Being home - is such fun! Posting not in the early am. I promise to get a photo of the entire Bayliss Team for the next article about this Design Team. If you don't plan to be at BLENKO on the 23rd DO PLAN TO ORDER THIS ONE IMMEDIATELY - and Look for the series. This is one Collection you'll want to own. IF you aren't a BLENKO COLLECTOR - Start Now with a Bayliss Team Design!
33 comments:
don't have to sign in to blogger
but isn't he cute girl with rose in her hair a designer get her pix hilly
lewis
don't have to sign in to blogger
but isn't he cute girl with rose in her hair a designer get her pix hilly
lewis
Lewis
You send me a photo of that girl with the rose
and I'll start using it
when I talk about the Bayliss Team.
HJH
Are you guys daydreaming or was the flash too intense!!! just pulling legs...;-)
Nice photo in this photo you look at least 20 and the artist also looks very handsome.
Its my day to comment on appearances.
Lewis
The girl with the flower is Hilary
silly.
She doesn't work for Blenko and she doesn't design.
The vase is a very nice color and very nice design. Are the ripples on the inside or the outside of the piece? Been canning first I made Blackberry Jelly a color that the knew team should try dark purple, almost black. And now I am making Italian peppers hot. See you Wednesday, and the sauce is red a color that most people I talk to would like to see Blenko bring back. I heard that the glass blower will also be making angels, could we see one of those too? Roxie
Bridgett
This time the guys is correct. The Bayliss Team female designer did have a rose in her hair on June 20th, at the WV Birthday Celebration, got this from 6 emails, so Lewis is correct. We do need to get a photo of the entire design team. I'll work on this while I'm home. Perhaps its just as simple as asking Blenko for a copy of photo. hjh
The optic can be felt on the outside of the celebration vase.
To clarify who the lady with the rose in her hair is. Her name is Mary Jo Bayliss. She and Arlon were married on July 5 of this year.
christyblenko
Sad news that MaryJo is married
these women with flowers in the hair are big turn ons to Vets.
Laugh! On June 20th I thought she was Hilly, until someone told me otherwise.
Only because of the flower in hair.
Your family has choosen a great design team Ms. Blenko.
Arlon even with your eyes closed you caught that lovely girl with rose in her hair?
Forgot to open your eyes
and close your mouth.
Forgot to open your eyes
and close your mouth.
Forgot to open your eyes
and close your mouth.
Just to clarify. I'm not a Blenko, I'm just the office manager at Blenko Glass. My last name is Gibson. My dad is Les Womack, retired finisher. He will be working on Sat, Aug 23.
Christy
To be the daughter of Les Woamack
would be more exciting than to be a Blenko I would think. Having creative parents is such a blessing. My husband did art as a hobby, and gardening. He was a fine man as I am certain your father is.
Did you follow your father to Blenko?
Margie Hale
I wanted to say Thank You to West Virginia Janet for asking the questions about Blenko collectors club and to Tim for answers.
I also have been considering joining for a long time, my boss belonged but dropped out a few years ago, he still buys a lot, and he got most of the docs & legal staff interested by giving us american glass on all holidays.
Very long unnecessary story to say I like you, have followed hilary and the blog for a long time and feel I would like to join.
Bridgett has thanked me, I would like to thank all of the contributors to Hillary's blog over the last year or so. I have learned so much.
In addition to Hillary, a special thanks to Christy, Roxie, and Margie. Your comments add so much to the blog. Christy, you are so informative. Please keep reading and posting. Roxie and Margie you add so many details to help us appreciate life in WV, around Milton, and about Blenko. I loved the comment about the neighbors bringing baby ducks to release after Easter in the little pond at Blenko.
Those of you who go to the August 23rd event, wait until you meet Mary Jo and Arlin. They are the perfect couple and know so much about glass. Don't hesitate to ask them questions, give suggestions, and to interact with them.
I don't know if I'll have the steam to make the trip the 23rd but you all are really making this sound like it will be a day to remember!
West Virginia Janis
I enjoy the description and its great that artist has captured those ripples and multiple curves in beautiful glass..
just wondering is he inspired by the mother nature or by you :) smiling
Ram
It is nice when we can comment on the glass and I bet Hilary is less embarassed when we comment on the glass. Think about what you write before you hit send. I enjoy the blog, would not want her to stop because of comments not relating to glass. Her efforts to promote Blenko and help us find out about our glass is paramount. My group reads daily, or I read to my group daily.
Margie Hale
Yes, I'm quite proud of what my father does and also very proud of our company. My mother actually was the first person to work here, right out of High School in 1962. She introduced my dad to Blenko and he was hired in 1964. They both worked here until I was born in 1969. I was, apparently, quite the spoiled brat and mom quit to raise me while dad continued to work here. I hired in while in college in 1988 and mom came back part-time in 1989. We then all worked here until dad retired in 2002. So, I'm working on 20 years this December. I would love to answer any questions you may have to the best of my ability. Unfortunately, I will not be here during the Festival because of vacation, but I encourage anyone who can come to do so. I think we will have some good activities planned for you.
Took your advise and bough some of the new line, my goal is the have the entire set before this new one appeared but Bayliss is too fast for me - Now I like this one best so
I am going for this one.
I am sorry I didnt mean to embrass or offend her or anyone
I didnt realize it I apolozie
Ram
Mr. Ram,
Your comments are usually about the topic and always include glass my comment was to another who does not stay on topic. You Mr Ram are one of the dozen of us who is thoughtful. Where have you been the past month?
Margie Hale
Mr. Ram,
Your comments are usually about the topic and always include glass my comment was to another who does not stay on topic. You Mr Ram are one of the dozen of us who is thoughtful. Where have you been the past month?
Margie Hale
Hilary
Twice you mentioned saving money to buy glass items, Blenko doesn't just give you the new pieces each year in appreciation of your daily working on this blog and the website devoted to them?
First thought you were an employee, understand you aren't but no free anything?
Come on?
Any way I do like this new guys stuff right direction. Lets all start buying more 'NEW BLENKO'.
Hilary will you sign my Blenko?
Ram
You are very sweet,
Only in my dreams will I ever inspire an artist to create.
NO! I must admit I didn't inspire
the Bayliss Team.
Aren't they wonderful!
I hope all of you are looking the photos with your christmas shopping list in hand.
hjh
Sweetdoc
Re: Signing Glass
Glass with my signature would be totally worthless.
Only the BLENKO FAMILY members or a member of team that created your glass signature would enhance the value.
If you are ever offered the opportunity to stand in line for a signature, stand in the line, you'll meet Rick Blenko who grew up with these wonderful glass workers, or Mr. Blenko (retired CEO) who knows more about Blenko than anyone on earth,. . .and your glass value will increase.
hjh Note: my personal opinion
On signing glass, honesty, and Blenko:
During the BLENKO birthday event, Mr. Bayliss was asked to sign a piece of glass he didn't design. A well-intending woman was trying to make the piece as special as possible for her husband. Mr. Bayliss said something to the effect that he couldn't sign the piece because he didn't design it and likened such an act plagiarism. The woman understood. Integrity and honesty.
WV Janis
Will Mr Blenko be there on the 23rd 24th to sign?
Hi Margie,
My parents were here for last of couple of months visiting me so I was busy showing them around places and they enjoyed being here..
Ram
I have a favor to ask of everyone....I will start by saying that I live in Milton and have always LOVED Blenko Glass( i love the fact of collecting glass that is one of a kind...no two pieces are exactly alike)But i have been troubled recently by the fact that the company is not doing much(ie sale wise) they are laying off the blowers because of not having very many orders going out. So i beg anyone that reads this to please stop by the visters center a buy some pieces or order by phone or online so this truly unique company stays alive and please encourage anyone you know to do the same becuase if not the end of Blenko glass may just be right around the corner!!
westvirginiajanis has left a new comment on your post "Signature On Glass?":
Regarding the plea from anonymous:
.... I beg anyone that reads this to please... buy some pieces.... so this truly unique company stays alive.... THE END OF BLENKO GLASS MAY JUST BE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!
You are preaching to the choir. Many of us who read this blog purchase hundreds of dollars of Blenko a year. Of course we will tell our friends. However, Blenko will have to do their part too. Richard Blenko's travels to sign, appearances on shopping networks, etc. help get the word out. The special events (Birthday piece and August 23rd piece) are a huge boost (although two within 60 days of each other is a bit tight for those of us who travel and without unlimited disposable income). The Southern Living spread should help. Someone in the Blenko company needs to aggressively pursue getting Blenko NOTICED. It would be great if Domino magazine and Domino magazine's Blog would feature one of those blurbs. Mr. Bayliss talked about commissioning a few high end pieces. If Niemann Marcus or some other high-end department store would offer a piece, exclusive through them, that would help. Blenko doesn't have the capacity or ability to compete with the Chinese to market to Target or Pier One or other national stores-- although, the right person is out there to take those classic water bottles and make a mint off of them. If Blenko can find its niche market, it will thrive. Although the economy is bad, it is REALLY bad for importing. Plus we are still riding the "buy American" wave.
Blenko is amazing and can do about anything with glass. Do you know that they are the one place in America that can supply replacement glass for those glass cylinders (about 1 1/2") that get built into the sidewalks of NY that let light into the basements? Do you know they can make just about any kind of trophy or recognition piece that a company needs? Mr. (Bill) Blenko told me about an award they made for a frozen-food company, a penguin on top of a bagel. They made a country music award. They made an award for some car company (I am not a car person, sorry Hillary). A great account for repeat business would be great. Blenko can't get the Oscars, surely, someone out there needs a great trophy. Get Oprah to make trophies for the authors whose books she recommends. Get a Blenko human interest story on Oprah (save me four tickets). If Oprah is behind something it THRIVES.
They make glass bricks that are great in shower stalls. Maybe they could set up some kind of a display in the Visitors' Centers (I'm talking rest stops) for all to see as they travel through WV.
The hundreds of dollars from the dozen or so who contribute faithfully to this blog helps but aggressive marketing is what it will take.
The Blenko website is looking better and better every day. A great start would be a massive campaign to get people to link to it.
Right now, I have to leave this long winded post to get back to work so I can buy more Blenko ( I need a pulled, swung vase)! Thank you "anonymous" for your post but PLEASE drive on over to the factory and encourage marketing to keep working. The product is a great one!
West Virginia Janis
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Posted by westvirginiajanis to Heart of Glass at 10:24 AM, August 03, 2008
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