Zazou Glass, glassblowers made in France

Content originally appeared on Légalisation Douce.

Glassblowing consists in creating shapes, solid or hollow, by hand-turning glass tubes or rods in a regular motion under the flame of a blowtorch. Zazou Glass is one of the first glassmakers in France to produce Bongs &Bubblers.
We gave them the opportunity to ask him a few questions!

When did you discover your passion for creating glass objects?

I discovered this passion for glass in the summer of 2014, when I came across a blowtorch glassblower at an art festival in the South of France. I was able to try my hand at this art for the first time and it was a revelation, I was immediately hooked! So I set off to meet different flashlight glassmakers in the South of France, Spain and Italy, where I learned a lot. Then I started gathering the materials needed to make beads, medallions, marbles...

What inspired you to create accessories for smokers like Bubblers and Bongs?

Above all, it was the desire to create larger pieces using «blown» glass techniques that appealed to me the most! At the same time, I was following the «Green Revolution» and the glass craze currently taking place in the USA. What's more, as I'm passionate about our favorite plant, it was inevitable!

Do you have any inspiration from across the Atlantic, where some blowers are real stars?

Yes, there's a large community of very talented glassblowers in the USA, most of whom share their knowledge on social networks, videos, forums... It's bound to inspire.

Who do you think is the most talented GlassBlower today?

Hard to choose, I really enjoyed seeing Cesar Toffolo (Italy) and Roger Parramore (USA) demonstrated at a symposium in Paris last year. I admire a lot of artists in the USA like Dustin Revere, Elbo, Eusheen, but the one who inspires me most at the moment is Chad Goodpastor.

Do you consider yourself a pioneer in France?

I'm in contact with other glassmakers who are interested in pipe-making. It's not necessarily part of their main creation, but there's a slight interest in France which I hope will develop and why not lead to collaborations...

How many hours of work does an original creation by Zazou Glass take on average?

On average for an original creation, I'd say 5 to 10 hours, not counting firing time. But it's hard to say, I work with passion and I don't count the number of hours spent on my pieces, what counts for me is the final result.

Which piece are you most proud of?

One of the latest pieces I've made is «Bourgeon magique», a collection of different techniques, mostly used for the first time. Some of the elements react to black light, making it a pleasure to look at!

What type of technique would you like to experiment with for your next creations?

I really like Italian techniques, and I'd like to try out the «Fillacello» technique soon, which requires patience and meticulousness.

Where can we find your Bubblers / Dabbers / Creations?

Already on my website www.zazouglass.com, and directly in several boutiques and growshops in the southern Ardèche. If you happen to be in this beautiful region, don't hesitate to contact me to visit the workshop!

Thanks to Zazou Glass for this interview, and we hope it sparks a few vocations!

Find Zazou Glass on Facebook & Instagram !