Newt Glass

If you’re thinking that Newt Grover’s glasswork looks similar to Dale Chihuly’s, that is no coincidence. Newt credits watching a documentary about Chihuly’s work back in the 90s as the catalyst for him beginning his own business which he started from scratch as there were no other glass studios in Phoenix at the time.

“I’m one of the few fools who wants to blow glass in the desert.”

Newt is one of those artists who enjoy trying new things. From being a self-taught jewelry designer to a neon sign creator, and now a glass artist, he has done it all and continues to grow and thrive. His main endeavor these days is interpreting the plants and flowers of the desert in glass forms. It’s the shape and color that he identifies with. 

“Plants are such a rich palette to play with. To me, glassblowing is never-ending and plants are never-ending.”

Generally, with every piece he makes, he tries to add some abstract elements because he feels that a literal translation wouldn’t tell the right story.

“If you’re doing artwork and you’re too literal, it kind of almost takes away some of the beauty…you don’t have to have everything perfect for people to get the idea.”

The Scottsdale artist sees his work as incredibly purposeful and hopes that it has an impact on the people who experience it. Much like how plants and nature have impacted him.

“My goals are to basically continue to put as much work, as much value, as much beauty into the world as possible…”

Visit the Newt Glass website for more information.

Follow Newt Glass on Instagram for more beautiful glass creations.

This film is by Peter Fuhrman.

Produced by Peter Fuhrman.