Annie Morhauser seeks the beauty in imperfection, adhering as she does to the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi. But in the Annieglass collections, most appreciators would have difficulty finding anything amiss. Her focus is on form as well as function, and the “slumping” technique produces work that is both unique and strong. “The result,” she says, “differs from traditional glassblowing, not only in its special translucent textured finish, but also in its remarkable durability: the glass becomes tarnish- and chip-resistant—and dishwasher safe.”
The Annieglass studio’s two hundred to four hundred pieces per day are produced by a dozen or so artisans who handle the many steps involved in glassmaking. Be it painting, grinding, etching, cutting, or working with the kiln, each component requires the skill of a professional. Loading the kiln is one step that necessitates a trained eye and a steady hand, since, when working with gravity and heat, the slightest variation can make a big difference. “We do a lot of McGyvering, too,” Annie says.
Sheets of architectural glass are trimmed and rounded with a diamond belt, then artisans grind the edges, paint a 24-karat gold band over the ruffle—some pieces are also painted with platinum—and set it over a ceramic mould made in-house. The studio is always changing and improving the moulds. “Every piece,” Annie says, “reflects the brushstrokes of its maker.”
The Annieglass production studio marries cutting-edge technology with artisanal techniques. Once a piece is in the mould, it is placed into the kiln, where soaring temperatures make the glass drape over its ceramic housing. It is during this process that the metals fuse permanently with the glass, which slumps into its shape. The process renders each dish or bowl variegated and individual.
After the glass is kiln-fired, every piece is hand-etched with the studio engraving. “Only one person does the signature,” Annie says, “and she’s worked for me for over twenty years now.” This mark of authenticity leaves little doubt to collectors, present and future, of a piece’s origin. Today, collectors of Annieglass include such luminaries as Oprah Winfrey and John Grisham.
For a company that won the 2015 ARTS Green Award for Sustainability, eco-consciousness is part of nearly every process. Skylights and energy-efficient lighting illuminate the warehouse, while a reflective roof provides above-standard insulation. Studio operations are designed for a maximum of efficiency, from kiln firing times to a glass-cleaning machine that reuses water, while packing materials are made from potato starch and sorghum, and scrap glass is donated for reuse. This focus on green methods circles back to a primary source of Annie’s inspiration—nature.
Text Cynthia Reeser Constantino
Read more about this inspiring entrepreneur in the January/February 2017 issue.
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