My introduction to glassblowing began with a simple, well thought out approach. I started with an electrical engineering degree, switched to liberal arts, dropped out and became a carpenter's apprentice. His crew poured the floor of a glass shop. I got laid off and started sweeping the aforementioned floor.I later got the opportunity to by into the shop and the rest as they say is history.

Bashi Alé (pronounced Bah-she Ah-lay), a passionate Pacific Northwest artist was first introduced to flameworking when he moved to Eugene, Oregon in 1997. An artist, from a long line of artisans and Italian craftsmen, he had already made significant strides in establishing himself as a surrealistic illustrator and painter when he discovered his muse in glass."I've always been fascinated with the optic qualities that glass presents. Glass is like a suspension of time forever showcasing the artisans will. It can be liquid or solid, dull and subdued or vibrant and glitzy."