A televised reality competition for glassblowers, now streaming on Netflix

Espace VERRE: We’re curious – what was your initial reaction to the casting call for the show?

Patrick Primeau: At first, I didn’t feel enthralled by the concept. But discussing the idea with workmates in the hot shop, interest settled in. I saw the competition as an opportunity to showcase blown glass art not so much in the actual object, but more in the studio performance.

EV: Out of the ten candidates selected for the show, you were the only Francophone and sole contestant from the province of Québec – did you feel intimidated by that reality?

PP: I wasn’t intimidated by the fact of being the only Québécois, but I knew that I would have an additional degree of difficulty to explain my work. It was tough because I didn’t have a second chance to say the right thing at the right time! The reflection time was to short to use the proper terminology. My English skills are decent enough, but I don’t think people could realize at what point it was difficult for me to express my ideas in a clear and concise manner.

EV: Which other contestant impressed you the most?

PP: A few people impressed me throughout the competition. Deborah Czeresko, because her approach to glass is very detached from technique. Momoko Schafer, because she is a young artist with such incredible confidence. Janusz Posniak, because he managed to control his environment in a studio space where it was almost impossible. All the participants were very cooperative despite the fact that we were in competition with one another.

EV: Between the moment where the episode’s challenge was revealed and the start of the timer, did you have time to reflect on your concept and prepare for its realization? (We’re thinking – amongst others – of the Pop Art challenge!)

PP: Definitely not enough time. Which meant making changes right in the middle of the process. For the Pop Art challenge, when my box didn’t make a sound, right away I knew it was a soft object… not good news!

EV: What was favourite challenge?

PP: The one on duality – where we had to collaborate with another contestant to make a piece. It forced us to consider the approach of another glass artist to obtain a harmonious result. We constantly had to discuss and adapt to the other’s vision. This collaboration also enabled us to make a more imposing sculpture.

EV: Do you have any behind-the-scene details for your readers?

PP: What you didn’t see onscreen, is that during the first episode, the temperature of the hotshop hit 60 degrees Celsius. The cameras were too hot, and the glassblowers as well! That episode probably cost more in Gatorade than colour! That challenge showed that no one was ready to leave first. Thankfully, the situation was remedied for the shooting of the following episodes.

EV: Overall, would you say that the experience had an impact on your approach to glass and your studio practice?

PP: The competition confirmed my strengths and weaknesses!

 

 

Photos courstesy of marblemedia.