Thomas Kelly

Glass artist Thomas P. Kelly is a master glassblower who is featured at Smith Galleries. He has been inspired and influenced by many glass artists including Lino Tagliapietra and Fritz Dreisbach over his thirty plus years at the furnace. He developed his aesthetic sensitivity and skillful techniques under the tutelage of glass artist Thomas Buechner III, for whom he worked with for 10 years. "Hot glass challenges me constantly," says Tom, "I don't think I really control the molten glass, I just influence it". He says, "I'm passionate about bringing the craft and design together to give each piece its own character".