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Looking for a way to stay warm and well connected as the snow piles up here in Seattle? Join glass artist Atom Kahn at his studio in West Seattle next Monday for a glass of wine, and an opportunity to watch him do what he does best: make spectacular erotic art out of molten glass. I got an opportunity to see some of his work first hand at an event recently, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it’s made. Not to mention he’ll be offering a 20 percent discount for purchases made during the event…

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and how you become a glass artist. 
 
I was raised in Southern California in the 70’s in a, shall we say “Liberal” family with both my mom and dad being into theatre and art, so I had the opportunity to take art classes at a very early age. My first form of erotic art was actually in 2nd grade with an assignment for a mobile made from magazine pictures. Well…..my dad half jokingly gave me one of his Playboy’s (something I never had to sneak to look at) and I proceeded to finish my project. So after the big “Critique” in the principal’s office the next day, with my parents…..erotica was my path! I have used many media in my art but working with molten glass is a unique experience. It works well for erotic forms because in its natural state, it will always have bulbous, curvy shapes!
 
Q: It feels just wrong to call your hand-crafted creations “sex toys.” I’d go with “art you can play with.”  Where did the inspiration to make these come from? 
 
Although its very hard and often associated with being cold and fragile, and upon breaking, can become quite sharp and scary. In the 13 years I have been working with hot glass, I have changed that whole perspective and seen its true state and felt the soft curves and strong forms that it can be. In my larger sculptural pieces, I create blown forms that have big, round areas often contouring to narrow rippling areas….much like the human body. With such a high gloss, oils and anything slippery have a wonderful, sensual feeling on the glass surface next to your skin. And with the ability to make these very organic, embracing shapes…it was just a natural progression! 
 
Q: How many hours of work goes into making each one?
 
Each toy takes an average of about 45 minutes to create and that is the reason that each one is so unique. I do make some of the designs as a regular shape because people really enjoy them, but each one will be a little bit different on the curvy details. Making glass objects in this manner is the oldest form of glassmaking known to man. Each toy starts as a molten ball of pure crystal clear glass that is drawn from a furnace that is like a small bathtub full of liquid glass, idling around 2150 degrees fahrenheit. The colors are applied at this point in various techniques, constantly returning the ball to the furnace to reheat it and keep it liquidity. This is why it is such a process: if the glass is allowed to cool too quickly, it will literally shatter to pieces in just a few minutes. Some of the forms, after a full day in the cooling chamber, go on to be worked for 30 mins to an hour on a polishing machine.
 
Q: You’re hosting a happy hour at your studio on Dec. 4. Will we be able to watch you creating some of these?
 
Yes! I will be demonstrating how the process happens and will be making toys for an upcoming show. Everyone is welcome to huddle around the fire and watch as this ball of fiery honey looking goo is transformed into a sensual piece of erotic art that just calls to you…”Pleeaase touch Me!!” Questions are always welcome too….I love to share this experience with people and even offer classes for people who want to try this amazing art form. 
 
Q: If I wanted to buy one of these beauties for someone special at your event, how much will it cost?
 
They start around $75.00 and get up to $300+ for the larger, more ornate designs and I can also do custom designs for people who like something very unique. I will be offering a 20% discount during this event and that applies to the price for a class as well. I really enjoy making these erotic pieces and its great to have people collect art they can use and enjoy.

Atom’s website is located at www.atom913.com.