In a Castle up the Gorge - Glass Blowing

Hand blown glass!?! In a Castle up the Columbia Gorge, at Cape Horn, there is a hidden treasure that few have seen, far to few... there lives an artist who makes the most beautiful creations..... For twelve years Jack Loranger has blown glass, and you can come and view his magic every weekend from 12 - 4, at no charge. 

Here Mr. Loranger dips into the kiln for his small "gather" of clear glass... the magic begins.

Jack Loranger magically creates beautiful functional glass art... from glass shards to vases, Christmas bulbs, humming bird feeders, platters and so much more....

While Mr. Loranger works his craft, he gives a very comprehensive presentation taking the mystery out of his creations by explaining he techniques in detail...

While the glass is very hot, 2000+ degrees he breaths life in to the creation by pushing a small "puff" of air into the molten glass.

Viewers watch for free in front row seating theater seats... oh so comfy and warm... the kiln, when open blasts this viewer with 2000+ degrees just 5 feet way!

Here the artist shapes his creation with "wet" wooden blocks..

Pressing the hot red glass into a mold adds contour.

Here the glass is swung around in a circle to elongate the shape.

The cobalt color turns red when it is ready to be worked.

Here is the final shape, and below it will have this coloring when cooled.

The final piece will have this shape with a more fluted end, and stands 12 " or so.

Here Christopher Luna,  poet and wordsmith, contemplates what magic he will make with his stainless steel "pipe"... finally deciding on a Christmas orb ....  he carefully adds colors by rolling the molten glass across shards on a metal tray.  Christopher Luna  * is a poet, artist, editor, and teacher. He is the host of a popular open mic poetry series at Cover to Cover Books in Vancouver, WA. Luna is co-founder, with Toni Partington, of Printed Matter in Vancouver, a small press that also provides editing and coaching services to writers. His new book, "To be named and Other Poetic Delights," is an art book and 200+ page poem created in collaboration with Toni Partington and David Madgalene. Christopher Luna's art is available through Angst Gallery in Vancouver, WA.
* Bio from his blogspot http://christopherluna-poetry.blogspot.com/

There is a ornate dragon hidden inside, that is camera shy.

For a small fee Mr. Loranger instructs aspiring artisans on the mysteries of glass blowing... to create beautiful creations he sells for nominal prices.  If you are interested and have more questions, you can contact Jack Loranger .

Thank you Mr. Loranger for creating your magic, every weekend, we spent our first hours as husband and wife four years ago, in your warm castle watching you work your magic.