About Us
Meet the Artist
James Stone is an Ocean Conservation Mixed Media Sculpture Artist, working full-time out of his environmentally conscious, hot glass studio, in Escondido, Calif.
James creates sea creatures and marine-themed sculptures that portray the beauty of the ocean’s diverse flora and fauna. His message of eco-awareness leaps from the forged aluminum and sculpted glass pieces, serving as a warning that fish and other sea life are disappearing at historically unprecedented rates due to over-fishing and environmental change. James hopes his work creates a dialogue.
“I want to ignite a spark inside each and every viewer, helping people to understand how their everyday choices effect the environment we live in and to think about how their seafood choices and their everyday lifestyle actions and purchases have a direct effect on our shared world,” said Stone.
James’ is best known for his use of color, and his unique process of casting glass hot out of the furnace; directly into the sculpted metal. His one-of-a-kind technique forges metal and hot cast glass with painted accents. Each piece has a long creation cycle and represents a great deal of time, talent and experience from start to finish.
Not only does James design commissioned work for individual clients, but also restaurants, museums and corporate businesses; from sets of tumblers/drinking glasses to massive vases, bowls, lighting fixtures and sculptures.
Additionally, James has made a name for himself conducting glassblowing classes to artists of all ages – children to adults. His Introductory to Glassblowing workshop has been a hit with many local and regional groups, from the Girl Scouts to large private and corporate events. Classes may be designed to include team building and leadership elements.
Limited edition hand blown drinking glasses delivered to your door.
Spoil yourself or someone special with the gift of artistic drink ware. With this subscription you will receive a glass each month for 4, 6 or 12 months to create an eclectic colorful set of hand blown glasses.
Gift Subscriptions also available; make their month every month.
Each month James and team will design a color combination that best exemplifies what is happening in our studio and our personal lives.Those of you that know James Stone know he loves color; you will have a collection of glasses that will make your guests want to take them home. Remember our guarantee – everything you drink from these glasses will taste better.
Commission
James’ process of combining glass and metal produces spectacular results in sculpture, fountains, furniture, gates, room dividers, privacy screens and more. Visit our studio gallery to see and touch James’ work, giving you a true sense of quality, scale and design. If you don’t see what you want, we welcome the opportunity to create for you.
James will guide you in designing your work of art: you may choose to visit our studio gallery, or have James offer consultation in your home. He will listen to your vision, take in your sense of style, assess your space, and propose options.
As every individual is unique each commission is unique, our aim is to design and create art that will touch your inner spirit, bringing you peace, love and happiness.
Get to Know James
What inspired you to work in glass? What do you like most about it?
The quality of the color and manipulating colored light was my first attraction, at age 12. I very quickly became addicted to the tactile and sensual quality of the material. Working in front of the flame is also downright addictive. I love the fire. At age 13, I set my desk on fire in the school and almost burned down the school.
What are your favorite types of pieces to produce?
I love it all. Every time I pick up the pipe and dip it into the hot gooey stuff, it is a new experience. Even when I mold, blow or make multiples, every piece is a different ride. I enjoy making “hollowware,” blown vessels of every type. I especially like drinkware. But I have spent many years as a hot glass sculpture making all kinds of creatures. I like the process of adding colored bits of hot glass to whatever I am working on. There is something very magical about taking a molten bit of glass, sticking it on to whatever you are making and knowing that you have about 10 seconds to do whatever you have to do before it becomes cold and too hard to work.
Many of your pieces feature sea creatures. Is there a certain fish, fauna or flora you enjoy most?
Well, I love fish and turtles. Making those pieces requires fairly developed skills and lots of hot bits. Plus, those shapes lend themselves nicely to the way the glass moves. I am looking forward to teaching myself how to make dragons this year and adding some manta rays to my repertoire.