Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Gartner Blade
In the heart of the Berkshires, where nature’s grandeur serves as a constant muse, Stephen Gartner and Danielle Blade have forged a symbiotic creative partnership that transcends the boundaries of traditional glassblowing. Their studio, Gartner Blade, is a crucible where art and science converge, yielding exquisite glass sculptures that captivate the senses and ignite the imagination.
For Blade, a deep reverence for the natural world has been ingrained from an early age. Hailing from the Isle of Wight, she was born into a family steeped in the arts, with her father, Martin Evans, a renowned British glass artist.
“Growing up, the glass studio was a big part of my life,” she reminisces. “My father and brother are both glassblowers, so I spent a lot of time around glassblowing as a kid. I really wanted to be a part of it.”
The foundational techniques she has refined over the years were undoubtedly passed down from her father.
“I have always been proud of my father and his beautiful work,” Blade says. “That grounding in the basics of technique was incredibly valuable. To some extent, his design sense also helped me see things in a different way. His iterative approach to the creative process really stuck with me, and I wanted to incorporate that into my own work and become proficient at it.”
It was this early immersion that kindled Blade’s passion for the craft.
“Glassblowing took time to develop, but I enjoyed the process as a young child and found that I had a knack for it,” she explains. “Being an optimistic child, I took great pride in the challenge of becoming proficient in the art. It was something that developed over time, and I became very passionate about the results that can be achieved.”
Blade’s journey ultimately converged with that of Stephen Gartner, a talented musician from Phoenix. Their union birthed a creative synergy that has yielded a distinct and captivating aesthetic, one that seamlessly blends the practical with the sublime.
“When I first met Stephen, he was a torch worker, which is quite different from blown glass in terms of process, techniques and aesthetics,” shares Blade, noting that Gartner worked as a production glass blower, as a glass instructor and as a glass studio gaffer — the top job in the world of glassblowing.
“By combining blown glass and torch work, we were able to create unique and beautiful pieces. The creative process is highly immersive. Stephen and I collaborate closely on new designs, and our differing approaches contribute to the richness of our work.”
Blade cites the example of a circle.
“We tend to approach it from opposite directions, which allows us to see the end result from diverse angles,” she explains. “When developing new designs or series, Stephen focuses on different aspects than I do.”
Their differing backgrounds and perspectives have proven to be a wellspring of innovation.
“Stephen’s engineering background gives him a more practical perspective, while my focus tends to be more on the visual aspects,” Blade says. “In our recent exploration of table lighting ideas, Stephen has been more concerned with structural elements, while my attention has been on the visual aspects.”
Nature’s Nexus
At the heart of Gartner Blade’s creations lies a deep reverence for the natural world, a wellspring of inspiration that permeates every aspect of their work.
“Our inspiration began with our shared fascination for found objects, which are often used for contemplation in both primitive and contemporary cultures,” Blade reveals. “Additionally, the desert Southwest has been a significant influence, especially with my love for travel and exploration of different environments.
“Natural rock formations and other aspects of the natural world inspire me and feature prominently in my work. I’m drawn to their beauty and desire to incorporate them into my home.”
This reverence for nature manifests in Gartner Blade’s collections, each a testament to the boundless creativity that arises from observing the world around us. The Strata series, for instance, draws inspiration from the intricate layers of geological formations, while the Coastal collection captures the serene hues of the ocean’s depths.
Gartner Blade’s sales manager, Debbie Suchy, says that the duo’s collections are a testament to their passion for nature, with their Strata, Batik, Translucent Strata, Coastal and Agate series each drawing from different elements of the earth.
“Their dedication to incorporating Earth’s elements and natural beauty into their work is evident in each of their collections,” Suchy explains. “This approach creates a harmony akin to feng shui, where the elements of fire, water, earth and wind are all represented.”
The natural world not only serves as Blade’s muse but is an integral part of her daily existence.
“I am incredibly passionate about my surroundings,” she says. “I live in the Berkshires, a stunning location filled with beautiful gardens, woods, large mossy boulders and a captivating environment. It’s a place I deeply treasure.
“Every time I venture outside, I discover fascinating things. Nature often imitates art, or perhaps it’s the other way around. It’s a bit like the chicken-and-egg conundrum. The intricate details found in nature, even in seemingly simple things like an acorn or an anise, are truly remarkable. I find them utterly fascinating.”
These moments of connection with the natural world leave an indelible mark on her.
“When I walk and immerse myself in the outdoors, I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Blade says. “I feel incredibly thankful to be in such a beautiful place.”
From Sand to Sculpture
Beneath the breathtaking beauty of Gartner Blade’s creations lies a meticulous scientific process, a delicate dance between the manipulation of raw materials and the harnessing of elemental forces.
“Glass is made from natural and abundant raw materials, such as quartz sand, soda ash and limestone,” Blade explains. “These materials are melted at high temperatures to form a new material: glass. Other natural elements and inorganic compounds are added to achieve the specific type of glass desired, typically to lower the melting point, increase viscosity, improve heat retention and improve clarity depending on the exact process to be used and the desired end result.”
The base glass used by Gartner Blade is the Kugler Clear Cullet, manufactured in Germany specifically for glassblowing and art glass processes.
“We melt the cullet at around 2,300 degrees and add color in the form of powdered glass and frit,” Blade elaborates, noting that the precise control over temperature and the introduction of specific compounds allows the artists to achieve the desired hues and textures that breathe life into their creations.
“At a high level, glass is simply melted silica sand which is chemically transformed. To make sand melt, you need to heat it to roughly 3,090 degrees, which is approximately the same temperature a space shuttle reaches as it reenters Earth’s atmosphere.
Yet, the true artistry lies in the duo’s ability to push the boundaries of traditional techniques.
“Stephen has successfully adapted many of the torch work techniques for use with hot glass, resulting in a unique sculpting process that is exclusive to our studio,” Blade reveals. “This has opened up a world of possibilities that are not commonly available to traditional offhand glassblowers.
“My training in Italian glassblowing techniques has also heavily influenced our approach. By blending sculpture and glassblowing, we push the boundaries of glass art, creating unique pieces that reflect our distinct aesthetic and vision.”
The Art of Alchemy
For Blade, the ultimate goal is to create works that invite exploration and contemplation, pieces that reveal new depths with every viewing angle.
“I aspire for viewers to be drawn into our pieces and encouraged to explore them further,” she muses. “Ideally, they’ll be curious to view the pieces from different angles, such as around the side, underneath, or over the top. I want people to discover new points of interest and find more than they anticipated, making the piece less predictable. It would be great if they notice connections between our current works and those we created in the past.”
This desire to evoke a sense of wonder and discovery is deeply rooted in Blade’s own connection to the natural world.
“Art can evoke a wide range of emotions, both positive and negative,” she reflects. “While some works may elicit unfavorable reactions, we humans crave stimulating experiences that stir our emotions. It can be as simple as noticing the shadows cast by a pigeon on the wall and being drawn to observe them more closely.”
Through their sculptures and home decor elements, Gartner Blade invites us to adorn our environments with pieces that reflect our identities, creating a sense of home and grounding us in our surroundings.
“Throughout history, humans have adorned their bodies with meaningful objects, often as jewelry,” Blade says. “In a similar vein, I believe sculptural art can be used to adorn one’s environment in a deeply personal way. I personally find great joy in observing the various sculptures in my home and feel a strong connection to them.
“Ultimately, I believe art is a means of self-expression, allowing us to surround ourselves with objects that reflect our identities. It creates a sense of home, a space where we feel grounded and connected to our environment.”
Suchy adds that over the past 27 years that Gartner and Blade have been partners, their customer demographic has evolved to include not only art and glass collectors but also those seeking to create a special environment in their homes.
“Their distinctive glass designs, particularly the central banded style, set them apart from other glassmakers in the American-made glass movement,” Suchy says. “While their glass pieces are functional, they also serve as unique and special additions to home decor. Their exquisite lamps, chandeliers and pendants offer a distinct appeal, with each piece showcasing Danielle and Stephen’s commitment to craftsmanship and artistic vision.”
Gleaming Glassworks
While their creations may appear effortless, the path to mastery is one paved with constant challenges and never-ending growth. For Blade, it is this very journey that has instilled in her a deep sense of humility and patience.
“Glassblowing is a demanding medium that constantly reminds you of the need to remain humble,” she explains. “Every time you think you’ve mastered a level of proficiency, there’s always another rung to climb. It’s a never-ending journey of learning and growth. The studio environment also requires a methodical approach. You have to wait until the next day to see the finished piece, and it may surprise you, either positively or negatively.
“This process reinforces the idea that one can never be arrogant, as the art constantly keeps you grounded. It’s crucial to be aware that you will likely never stop learning — and that’s something I hope never changes for me.”
As Gartner Blade’s exquisite creations adorn the spaces of Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree, they serve as a testament to the boundless potential that arises when art and science converge. From sculptural pieces that command attention in the center of a room to functional objects like lamps and bowls that bring an artistic flair to everyday living, each molten masterpiece is a fusion of raw materials and raw creativity, inviting us to explore the depths of our own emotions and connections to the natural world.
A premier destination for appreciators of fine art, Grace Renee Gallery’s curated collection of Gartner Blade’s work offers visitors a chance to experience the depth and breadth of the duo’s creative vision. From the mesmerizing patterns of the Strata and Agate series to the organic shapes of the Primitive collection, each piece beckons to be explored from multiple angles, revealing new layers of beauty with every turn.
For those seeking to adorn their environments with objects that transcend mere decoration, Gartner Blade offers a portal to a realm where beauty and wonder are forged in the fires of passion and precision.
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