Upon a winter weekend out west to Casper, Wyoming, I had the pleasure and semi-stressful opportunity to participate in an activity I never would have signed up for on my own – glass blowing.
Now hear me out. It is not that glass blowing is a stressful activity, I just happen to be a total Type A personality who wants to do everything well and when it comes to anything artsy, well, besides writing, forget it. I do not have a creative bone in my body. I remember bringing home art projects in high school, high school people, and my parents being like umm what is it? Yeah. It was that bad.
Given the opportunity to skip glass blowing, I totally would have pulled the ripcord and headed to the nearest emergency exit. This would clearly be coming out of a place of fear of the unknown and doing something completely brand new, but, to my total and utter surprise, I absolutely loved it.
Not only did I walk away with one magnificent marble, but I also noticed myself feeling super relaxed. Well, that was after the initial freakout and panic of having to make my very own marble out of melted glass.
It sparked a cause for pause and made me ask the owner of PH Glass Studios, Alicia Watt, why I felt so relaxed and she shared with me some of the benefits of glass blowing. Here are some of the benefits, including the mental health benefits of glass blowing.
What is Glass Blowing?
Before we dive into the benefits of glass blowing, let’s go over what exactly glass blowing is. According to Etsy, “Glass blowing is an ancient art form that has been used for centuries to create beautiful and unique pieces of art that are decorative, functional, and sculptural glass objects. The process involves manipulating molten glass with tools and hand movements to create a variety of shapes and forms.”
Common tools of the trade include a long tube to heat and shape molten glass into a desired form. This process is both labor-intensive and time-consuming and requires some level of finesse, but it yields stunning works of art. From glass pieces to marbles, glass blowing is a creative and fun form of art.
Benefits of Glass Blowing
#1 Great for Everyone
Glass blowing does not discriminate. No matter your age or artistic ability, glass blowing is a great activity for everyone. When working with PH Glass, the team told me that they had seen both troubled teens and veterans come into the studio and focus their attention on something that caused them to relax in a safe space. “The physical act of working with fire and glass can be deeply therapeutic,” shares Watt. “Many veterans and teens who experience hyper-vigilance or racing thoughts find that the structured, focused nature of glassblowing helps ground them in the present moment.”
“Many at-risk youth and veterans struggle with trauma, stress, or emotional suppression,” says Watt. “Glassblowing offers a physical and creative outlet to channel their emotions into something tangible.” Also, the process of working with molten glass demands focus and patience, allowing participants to express themselves in ways words often cannot, notes Watt.
Watt continues, “Many veterans suffer from PTSD, and troubled youth may have past trauma that is difficult to verbalize. The sensory experience of glassblowing, watching the flames, feeling the heat, and molding the glass, all provide a non-verbal, therapeutic escape from stressors.”
#2 Improves Concentration and Focus
Watt says that glass-blowing and marble-making encourage deep focus and mental discipline. “Unlike passive stress-relief techniques, glassblowing demands full concentration. One wrong move can crack or shatter a piece, forcing artists to stay present and train their minds to focus deeply – a skill that carries over into daily life.”
#3 It Provides a Killer Arm Workout
Okay so this is probably not the first benefit you think of when you think of glass blowing, but take it from me, glass blowing is a total workout, especially an upper body workout.
Besides holding the long tubes in the exact right place of the flame, you also need to keep your melted glass moving, at least in the case of making a marble, which means always holding your arms up and never letting the glass drop or rest.
From spinning to twisting to turning, trust me when I say glass blowing is not only an art form, but an arm workout. I felt muscles I did not even know I had and was sore for at least 2-3 days afterward – and I work out daily!
#4 It Allows You to Channel Your Creativity and Imagination
Glass blowing allows you to create a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes of glass objects, allowing for creative, imaginative, and unique designs and pieces, which can be hand-crafted individually and tailored to the artist’s specific needs or wants. The artist also has the freedom to explore new color combinations, designs, and techniques to create pieces unique as the artist themselves allowing for complete and utter artistic expression. (And yes, if you are glass-blowing, you are a total artist!)
#5 Provides Therapeutic Benefits
Although it may not seem relaxing, glass blowing definitely provides some therapeutic benefits. “Glassblowing is often compared to meditation or yoga due to its intense focus or flow state, rhythmic movements, and controlled breathing,” shares Watt.
Here are a few of the factors that make glass-blowing and marble-making so therapeutic:
- The power of heat and fire. Watching molten glass move and glow in the flame is almost hypnotic, engaging the senses in a deeply immersive way. The process requires patience and precision, naturally slowing down the mind and grounding the artist in the moment.
- Repetitive and intentional movements. From turning the rod to shaping the glass, each step requires slow, deliberate movements, similar to a breathing-focused meditation. This repetition promotes relaxation and mindfulness, taking the artist out of their daily stresses.
- Controlled breathing. Just like in yoga or meditation, breath control is key in glassblowing. Artists must remain calm and steady, mirroring deep-breathing exercises that promote relaxation.
- Flow state and mindfulness. Glassblowing encourages a flow state, a psychological state where time seems to slow down, and the artist becomes fully absorbed in the craft. This level of deep focus disconnects from outside worries, promoting mental clarity and emotional relief.
Okay, okay, so it was stressful for me at first, but once you get into it, there is something about the fire and flames as you melt, mold, and shape to create something out of next to nothing. Something can definitely be said about how glass-blowing and marble-making can reduce anxiety and stress.
#6 Relatively Low Costs
The cost of glassblowing is relatively low compared to other art forms. This makes it a great option for those who want to create art, but who may also be on a budget or are extra mindful of their finances and spending. At PH Glass Studio, classes range from $120 to $180.
#7 Stimulates Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills
Watt says glassworking is not just about repetition it is also about problem-solving and creative thinking. “This stimulates brain activity, helping improve cognitive function, adaptability, and patience,” she adds.
Benefits of Glass Blowing
“Glassblowing is far more than just an art form, it is a healing practice, a mental exercise, and a path to personal growth,” notes Watt. “For troubled teens and veterans, it can be an anchor of stability, self-expression, and empowerment.”
Not only is glass blowing a great activity for all ages that is relatively inexpensive, but it also provides an escape from the everyday stressors of life, ultimately creating a special place and space of calmness leading to decreased anxiety and less mental chatter. Bonus, that is also a great arm workout.
Watt says that PH Glass Studio, located in Casper, Wyoming, is seeing a positive impact in their community. “The fire, the focus, and the freedom to create make glass an incredibly powerful medium for transformation and healing.” I highly recommend checking out a workshop in your area if you can!
Learn more about Visit Casper or PH Glass Studios.
