Unbreakable

From unique collectibles to utilitarian and decorative objects to industrial designs, glass has accompanied humans for centuries. Its origin is debated between an accident involving sand and fire or a human invention, but the truth is that it is present in our daily lives: in the windows that protect us, in the glass of our favorite drink, or displayed as a work of art.

For Santiago Gil Durán, a glass artist based in Medellín, glassblowing is a visceral act:

“It is a meditation that integrates mind, body, and soul. Creating a piece can take anywhere from twenty minutes for a glass to four hours for a vase, always in front of a furnace at 1,200 degrees and in constant activity.”

The technique of hand blowing is the closest to art. “Depending on the quality of the glass, the pigments, and the temperatures, thousands of possibilities are generated,” says Gil Durán, who invites us to appreciate each piece:

“The next time a glass breaks, let the broken glass hurt more than the spilled wine.”

Recycled glass, with its imperfections, paves the way for the creation of unique pieces, transforming defects into artisanal beauty.

Words and photography: Mónica Barreneche