Sunday 8/17/25
On Sundays I reflect.
I didn’t drink alcohol this week. It’s been 253 days since I had a drink. I decided to stop drinking almost a decade ago, and in that time have consumed alcohol on occasion. It’s better when I don’t drink at all.
I haven’t been able to write this blog for a while. I have tried, but maybe I’ve been experiencing writer’s block or something.
It’s been a time of great transition in my life, and I don’t do great with change. I’m practicing being more flexible and less rigid, and the last 6 months have been putting that to the test.
After living in the same house for 9 years, the time finally came to move. After a few months of uncertainty I have settled into the new place. I’m still living in the Vail Valley, and want to extend my deepest gratitude to the people who were there for me during the in between.
For the last two years I have taken on a side job driving for a private service. It was time to generate supplemental income, and I’m able to still be at the studio between runs. I have given up a lot of control over my own schedule, typically finding out tomorrow’s assignment on the afternoon the day before. Sometimes things come up and I’m dressed and moving in a matter of minutes. I tuck in my shirt and wear a tie.
On most Sundays our team sets up at the Vail Market in the village where we provide live glass demonstrations and sell a variety of products, of course including cups. It’s our second season, and has been a great way to spread the word about Drinking Vessels and the Minturn Maker Space. While I’m not much of a “market man” we have a good time and meet interesting people.
I spend a lot of my free time at Two Arrows, a locally owned coffee shop in the Vail Village. I’m so grateful for the community that exists there and to have a place to socialize outside of my home and studio. For many years it was hard for me to get outside my home and studio but I’ve been able to find a better balance recently.
Our local arts scene is starting to take life here in Vail. The town recently unveiled a brand new artist residency studio and held an art battle for locals. My friend Gus won a cash prize along with a few week long residency in the new studio where he will be the first artist to occupy the space bringing it to life with his process. I’m very excited about what this will do to grow our local arts community.
I’ve been dating a bit, which is much different being in my 30’s compared to my 20’s. It has been a good opportunity for me to meet new people while also getting to know myself better.
I’m spending more time in Miami these days, which at this point has almost replaced NYC for where I spend most of my time outside Vail. My brother and his wife settled in Coral Gables and adopted the cutest bernadoodle puppy, Mooza this year. I love spending time with them. I have a social life down there, and of course my art world.
Vail can be an isolating place. I think anywhere in the mountains can be that way. It’s part of what I love and why I’m here. Sometimes though, I need to get out in the world and see beyond my bubble, and over the last year I’ve been able to do that more.
I have so much more to share here, but I also have things pulling me in all different directions so I’ll wrap up with something very exciting news.
Over the last few months I have been planning a very big project.
Next month I will be hosting Jen Stark at the studio to collaborate with Eusheen, Alex Ubatuba, Ian Silverman and myself. We will be introducing Jen to the torch after her recent exploration into glass at Pilchuck in the hot shop. We will also be assisting in bringing to life her psychedelic rainbows in the medium of borosilicate glass.
I have long been an admirer and collector of Jen’s work, and we’ve met a few times over the years. She has traded art with me in the past, allowing me to acquire even more of her work.
Now we’ll get to work together along with some of the most talented flame workers in the world and I couldn’t be more excited.
As always I want to be able to share more here, and I look forward to getting back into writing these weekly reflections moving forward. I have so much more to update you on, and I am so grateful that you are still here tuned in after my long hiatus.
Thank you to my family for always believing in me and supporting the vision. Thank you to my friends who have been there for me in so many ways during this challenging and transitional time. Especially thank you to Susan and Rich, with whom I have built such a special relationship over the last decade here in Vail. I am so grateful for all of your support.
Enjoy your Sunday,
BB
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