Blown glass, with its many shapes, sizes and colors, exudes a thread of continuity of technique and form that stretches from antiquity to the present. And while the technique of blowing glass may not have changed substantially over time, every so often an artist challenges the stylistic norm and introduces a new creative vision. Wes Hunting, with his innovative and dynamic artistry, has proven to be a leading force in the art of glass blowing. With his perfectly balanced and composed pieces, he has sought to preserve simplicity while celebrating the complex. It is this unique ability that has thrust Hunting to the forefront of the industry and allowed his artistic vision to thrive.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Hunting demonstrated an early talent spending his youth creating portraits and drawing. At the age of eleven he enrolled in the Cleveland Art Institute. He later attended Kent State University and was introduced to the art of glass blowing. Hunting was immediately captivated by the craft, and immersed himself completely. He developed a mastery of technique, allowing him to concentrate on manipulating the glass to realize his artistic vision. Hunting’s vision could only be achieved through a true union of material content—he believed that this content is a direct reflection of the natural world in which he lives and works in.

After many years in Chicago, Hunting relocated to Wisconsin: “where there are only rocks, trees and bodies of water to look at.” There he was at peace with his surroundings, and could develop his own ideas, free of the chaos and stimuli of an urban environment.

Hunting stridently believes that the structures of form and drawing must be fully integrated. To ensure a harmonious communion of the two, he first approaches his work not as a sculptor working in glass, but: “as a glass blower working in the container tradition,” never neglecting the importance of the interior. By taking all points of view into consideration, he creates comprehensive pieces that exude emotion and beauty from every angle. To compound upon these qualities, Hunting developed the “Colorfield” style. This unique method refers to the vibrant colors and intricate patterns which are “drawn” onto the glass surface at temperatures exceeding 1,600 degrees. The colors interact to create dazzling designs imbued with swirling, kinetic movement that enhance the brilliancy of the glass without detracting from its simplicity of form.



With pristine form and masterful artistry, Wes Hunting created an instantly recognizable style. He has tapped into the artist’s soul and extracted something pure and original—something derivative of the world’s natural beauty. In his work, simplicity and complexity play to each other, allowing for mesmerizing intricacies that give his work both a personal and universal quality.