Sunday 12/28/25

December 28, 2025

On Sundays I reflect.

 

I didn’t drink alcohol this week.

It’s winter now (kind of). We got snow last night finally after a very unusually dry early season.

I’ve got four days on my snowboard so far and none to write home about.

Driving has been busy. So busy I couldn’t write a blog last week. I did get to drive a childhood hero so that was cool.

We’ve had classes going on at the studio, and I found time to make a small batch of cups. All but one have found homes and I’m looking forward to my next chance to get on the torch. 

If you’re around Vail on January 29th make sure to clear your afternoon for a very exciting program I’m putting on with the Town of Vail and the new Ford Arts Studio. I’ll be able to share more details soon, but I can assure you that you don’t want to miss this one.

It’s hard to believe that New Year’s Eve is in three days. What a year 2025 was. Time seems to be flying. 

I traveled more this year than the last handful of years. That felt good. It was the first time I left Vail for more than two consecutive weeks in almost a decade. It’s definitely a bubble here, and sometimes getting out into the world is essential to remain grounded. 

As the end of the year approaches, I’m taking time to reflect on just how lucky I am. On paper, my life might seem unimaginable. Ian and I were talking the other day about some of the reasons why, and mostly it comes down to the fact that I’m simply available. Sure I have jobs, but not in the traditional sense. Most of my jobs are based on the barter system in one way or another. All of my jobs share the flexibility to accommodate the others, and none of them own my schedule. 

Sometimes it can be hard to find routine in this alternative lifestyle. On the other hand, every day is a new adventure. 

As I sit by the fire at the Four Seasons, I can’t help but feel extreme gratitude for the life I have. I don’t think I could have imagined this life when I was younger, even in my wildest imagination. 

Thank you to my family for supporting my decisions and path. Thank you to my friends for being there when things are challenging and for celebrating the wins. Thank you to everyone who has ever purchased art from me and especially those who own anything I’ve ever made myself. It is truly a privilege to be doing this.

Behind the scenes there are some other special people who are not family or friends and are also not clients. There are people who somehow have attached to my vision and contribute in so many ways aside from monetary support. Thank you to those people for validating what I’m doing here. I couldn’t do this without you. 

The art market is in a weird place right now. The glass pipe movement is in an even more unique position as a niche within an already small subculture. 

A lot of the last decade has been about supporting artists, providing a platform to get their work sold and to get them paid. As things have slowed down, our vision remains the same. This means we have had to pivot in some ways. This has challenged me to be more creative in new ways. 

By offering classes, we maintain a revenue stream for our team of artists. By committing to teach a technique that I don’t yet have mastered, I have been forced personally to learn something new and outside of my specialization with glass. 

A lot of my energy recently has been put towards developing our new artist residency program. We have a long way to go and a lot of work ahead. It’s a different kind of work than my previous roles but it is a natural evolution combining my prior experience in new ways. 

I’m proud of what we’re doing. I’m excited for what’s ahead. 

Wishing you all a happy new year, as well as my sincerest appreciation for your support.

As always thanks for tuning in,

BB

 

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