Welcome to the first episode of Calyx Containers’ Art of Glass series.
Art of Glass explores the cultural connection between glass and the cannabis consumption experience. This episode features Vela G and Mike Shelbo, both veteran artists in lampworking and glass blowing. Collaborations between glass artists speak to a greater significance compared to more common forms of art. Historically, the pipe-making community has suffered stigmatization due to the War on Drugs and Operation Pipe Dreams. These artists could not publicly share their work at the risk of being criminalized, and as a result, the kinship between fellow glass artists became a cornerstone in the heady glass world.
Collaborations as shown between Vela G and Mike Shelbo combine various unique styles and approaches to a common medium. These exclusive pieces and the historical significance behind pipe art fosters a shared language within the heady glass and cannabis communities. Calyx is so excited to collaborate with these artists to shed light on how this material has shaped the culture of cannabis as well as our evolving industry.
Art of Glass Episode 02: Artistry Meets Industry features Calyx Containers’ CEO and Co-Founder, Simon Knobel to explain how glass is a cornerstone for the cannabis experience. From consumption to storage, glass and cannabis speak to a multi-faceted, ever-evolving culture that is ingrained in our community.
Calyx Containers is also excited to present our Glass Gallery where fellow cannabis and glass enthusiasts can shop our Calyx-curated collection of heady glass. All proceeds from the Glass Gallery will be donated towards non-profits in the cannabis space.
Liz Wright, known for her skillfully sculpted aquatic ecosystem recyclers, describes how lampworking was key to finding a meaningful career. Liz’s core inspiration is her roots as a Virginia Beach native, as her art illustrates the dynamic qualities that ocean life and her glass sculptures both share.
Art of Glass Episode 04 features Marble Slinger known for stoking the flames of cannabis activism in the underground, invisible-subculture glass community since his pipemaking days circa 1997. As Director and Producer of ‘Degenerate Art’, a 2012 documentary that chronicles the devastating impact of Operation Pipe Dreams investigations on the pipemaking community, Slinger is a source of truth for functional and heady glass history. Based in Philly, Pennsylvania, a vibrant, cultural hub for cannabis glassblowers and pipe makers, Slinger is known for his pop culture-inspired art and his Assault Girl merch line.
Art of Glass is a celebration of heady glass culture and the cannabis consumption experience. Calyx Containers has collaborated with some of the top glass artists in the space to shed light on the important role that glass plays in the cannabis experience.
Justin Carter specializes in mesmerizing fume scratch techniques to create his signature psychedelic dichroic patterns and adorned opals. Currently based in Richmond, Virginia, Justin’s passion for weed, the culture, and the community is incorporated into his artistic style and evident in his creative endeavors.