Upon arriving at the The Loafing Shed Glass Studio, my eyes were met by glass blown objects that adorn the property gates, as well as some glass little hippos and other animals hiding out in the garden. I love the laid back feel of the property — an obvious oasis for this artist. As you walk past the house and the chicken coop you come to the shed. It may not like much from the outside, but inside it's every artist's dream of what a studio workshop could be.
To the right is a gallery room filled with lights and glass blown ornaments, vases, etc. Each one seems to be more breathtaking than the other. I was especially drawn to the sea-foam coloured fish bowls that had hints of coral and other colours that reminded me of the beach. The far wall is a display of amazing concoctions of fresh jams that Robert's wife, Jeanette cans herself. I will have to go back and buy some Carrot Cake Jam - I hear it tastes amazing on toast with cream cheese... I can just imagine.
The first room that you step into is the welcome room where more glass blown objects are displayed as well as a table full of home baked cupcakes and brownies. There is also a table full of refreshments along one wall: tea, coffee and punch. There is no reason to feel unwelcome in this studio space! After gathering up all the refreshments and baking that one can gather, the next room is the real studio space. For this weekend's customer appreciation event — three rows of chairs were set up for us to watch Master Glossblower, Robert Parkes at work (along with his apprentice).
Looking around at the space, I can see why Parkes loves to spend his time in the Studio Hot Shop. The room feels warm (from the heat of the furnaces) and tropical - with plants basking in the sunlight streaming in from the skylights above. Parkes is entertaining to watch. Not only is he amazingly talented — but he also knows how to keep his audience engaged: explaining steps along the way, and throwing in humorous antidotes as well!
I was especially interested in Parkes creation of paperweights that look as though they were plucked from the bottom of the ocean floor. He said he happened upon this by accident, but has been perfecting it ever since. It's really amazing how these glass balls seem to contain life within them: complete with coral and anemones. I was fortunate enough to see Parkes create one of these this morning. I think we share a fascination of the ocean. Like Parkes, I love to spend time at the Vancouver Aquarium just taking in all the colour and absorbing inspiration for future work.
If you have time this weekend, I would recommend going to tomorrow's open house from 10am to 3pm. If not, be sure to check out their website: www.robertgaryparkes.ca
