GLASS HISTORY 2016
3500 BC: The Egyptians melt sand and soda lime into a liquid, which they coil over camel dung to fashion into tiny jars and jewelry.
30 BC: The Romans spread the concept of Blown Glass throughout their empire, and begin to make glass products affordable to common people.
1300 AD: The Venetians develop nearly clear glass called Cristallo, which could be blown extremely thin and formed into a variety of shapes.
1674: The English add lead oxide to Cristallo to make crystal, which is used in optical instruments, glassware and many other functional pieces.
1880’s: The French exploit the possibilities of crystal with the Art Nouveau creation of Galle.
1890’s: The Americans counter with the opening of Tiffany, Carder, Steuben, and Quezel.
1930’s: During the Depression, art glass shops close and glass blowing loses its cachet.
1960’s: Several North American artists revive glass blowing by starting small one-two person studios, which are peppered throughout the United States.
1970’s: Dale Chihuly, co-founder of Pilchuck Glass School in Washington, transforms the American studio glass movement.
1990’s: Glass blowers develop art glass and continue to produce vast ranges of glass sculptures.
2000’s: Artists embrace technology and utilize the Internet; www.porterfieldstudios.com
2007: Cory moves Norms garage, and starts to rebuild. The artist studio.
2015: NRG or Norms Reincarnated Garage opens it’s doors and we build this website. Hoping to eventually do live streaming of your glass being made!
2016: Cory starts to think about and building a lot of different lights. Lighting is starting to play a major role in the modern glass.