BIOGRAPHY

Steven took his first glassblowing class in 1989 with Kent Ipsen, a man known for his life-sized lead crystal castings. His interest sparked, Steven entered the glass program at Virginia Commonwealth University, and went on to earn his B.F.A. in glass and ceramics by 1992. During his undergraduate coursework at VCU, Steven transitioned quickly from student to teacher. He was appointed by the faculty to teach both introductory and then advanced courses. His talents as a glassblower enabled him to land a full-ride scholarship for both his undergraduate work at VCU and a Masters program at Rochester Institute of Technology. While attending R.I.T. from 1993-1994, Steven was once again recognized for his creativity and skill, and was enlisted to teach glassblowing, glass-casting, sand-casting, cold-working and glass fusion to undergrads. Tom Farbanish, a well-known glass artist trained under Italian Glass Master Lino Tagliapietra, recruited Steven as a Teacher’s Assistant. Impressed by Steven’s technical ability, Tom asked Steven to assist on a personal project that was eventually shown in Washington D.C.

In 1994, Steven returned to VCU to finish his coursework, and obtained his M.F.A. in glass by 1996. Steven then headed west to Seattle, and started teaching both beginning and advanced courses at the Seattle Glassblowing Studio. In 1997, he was quickly snapped up by “Team Chihuly,” where he worked on such projects as the Bellagio Hotel installation in Las Vegas; Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon in Paradise Island, Bahamas; Sleeping Lady Retreat in Leavenworth, Washington; and Dale Chihuly’s own personal Pergola Ceiling and Pergola Pool in his Seattle residence. In addition to his full-time work with Chihuly, Inc., Steven also free-lanced for nationally known glass sculptor Martin Blank. In 1999, Steven was promoted to gaffer (lead artist) for Chihuly’s “Portland Press Special Edition” art pieces. He remained in that position for 2 years before moving to Ashland, Oregon to open Gathering Glass Studio where he was owner/artist until 2005. He currently creates custom work in studios in the Rogue Valley near his home in Ashland.

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