“Fire and Flame” is not just a saying. It is the very essence of glassblowing. Today we are standing before the Der Glasbläser Statue.
The art of glassblowing is a dance with fire. It demands respect and passion. The Der Glasbläser Statue represents this ancient craft. It embodies the spirit of creation.
Henriette, born in Dresden in 1988, spent her early years in Meißen. After the political changes, her parents bought a farm in Naustadt. She still lives and works there today. Her childhood was filled with nature, gardening, and animals. She loved crafting things with her hands. Creating something special always brought her joy. Her father is a restorer. This gave her a special connection to old objects. These objects felt alive because they had a history. Her family also fostered an interest in art. They often visited exhibitions and admired old architecture. This shaped her sense of color, form, and aesthetics.
After school, she wanted to learn a craft. A school exchange introduced her to Czech glassblowers. She was deeply impressed. Many professions exist around this material. She wanted to work with hot glass. The fire and the soft, malleable material fascinated her. In 2008, she began her training as a glassblower. This happened at the BFS Glas in Lauscha. The first year focused on making Christmas decorations. Then they moved on to animal figures and vessels. During her training, she designed her own glass creations. She increasingly began wearing her own jewelry.
Glassblowing is demanding. It requires empathy and practice. Only then will the glass do what you want. She was passionate and learned with enthusiasm. Outside of class, she spent time at the burner. She realized her ideas and tried new techniques. She is grateful to her teachers, Mr. Horn, Mr. Kob, and Mr. Rauschart. They taught her so much beyond the curriculum.
After finishing her training in 2011, she returned to her family’s farm in Naustadt. She became self-employed. Her father worked elsewhere, so she set up her workshop in his former space. It was in the converted barn. In the early years, she had to find her way in the professional world. Creating beautiful things was not enough. Her two children were born in 2012 and 2014. They brought much joy and activity to her life. She also cared for horses and kept ducks. She planted vegetables and herbs. Her love for nature and animals is an important part of her life.
Now, she regularly holds workshops. She shares her fascination with this unique material. She continues to develop her product range. Also, she experiments with new forms and techniques.
The Der Glasbläser Statue stands as a tribute to all glassblowers. Their dedication transforms molten glass into art. I hope that Henriette’s products inspire people. I hope they bring joy to their lives.