#Elliot blown away how to#

“I would like to see a challenge where the contestants design and execute a set of specialty glasses. To see how different people approached the human body, similar to the dancer challenge on season one.” Tegan Hamilton “I would have loved a figurative challenge. I think I put pressure on myself to be something I’m not, and that ended up distracting me from enjoying some of the moments.” Brad Turner If you could have planned a challenge for Blown Away, what would it have been? I think back on the filming of the show fondly, but I know the actual experience of participating was quite stressful at the time. “For me, I think it reiterated the importance of just being oneself. My focus has always been on advancing how contemporary glass is represented through unique aesthetics, form, function, and color.” Andi Kovel I believe my work on Blown Away was memorable for having a distinct point of view. “Staying true to myself and representing my voice as a designer was my number one goal during filming. Also, having the opportunity to represent the very small but fantastic community of glass makers and material-specific artists in the UK was a huge honor.” Elliot Walker Elliot Walker at home in his studio. Everyone picked for the show deserved to be there without a doubt and it was great to meet them all and learn from their varied experiences. This sort of global exposure is such a pivotal moment in an artist’s career that people often overlook the journey and struggle all artists have to advance their careers in the first place. “I think having the opportunity to appreciate and learn about the other contestants’ journeys to this point. I used it as fuel to keep going and to do better, to think more intently about my work and what I’m trying to do with it. I created many new products and ideas out of my shortcomings…many of which have become great products.” Ben Silver My ‘failure’ on the show was actually a great reward. “I wanted to create more than ever to prove myself to myself, so that’s what I did. Also, meeting other artists and our new connections.” Nao Yamamoto Facing the unknown is always scary, but I’ve grown more trust and love for myself for handling this experience well. “Going through that pressure and stress made me mentally stronger. I had a blast going for it and I am really excited about some of the original work I created for the show.” Mike Shelbo “I wish that prior to going I spent more time practicing at the furnace as it had been years since I was actively pursuing soft glass, and then suddenly I was about to go film the show! I feel like had my skills been sharpened a bit more I could have gotten further in the competition and had a better shot at getting into the final round. Oh, I also learned that I need to spend more time practicing sculpting.” Jason McDonald Mike Shelbo (photo courtesy of David Leyes for marblemedia). It’s intimidating knowing that every word will be viewed by your entire community.

#Elliot blown away how to#

How to master my anxiety was the big takeaway, though.

“I learned several things from my experience on Blown Away. A lot of people who checked out my work reached out to tell me that they wished that I was on a little longer to see what else I could have done on the show.” Tegan Hamilton It was quite the opposite! People have shown so much warmth and kindness towards me. I was expecting that people were going to react poorly to my performance on the show. “I think my biggest takeaway would be that I need to not be so hard on myself. Reflecting on your experience, what’s your biggest takeaway from your time on Blown Away?