Fired up over glass making
Nick Grogan met every challenge head on with great gusto, he lived every day to the fullest and along the way developed many talents. Called a true artisan, he worked in multiple mediums: wood working, water colors, acrylics and photography which adorn the homes of those he loved.
Nick passed away in February, 2007 from Lung Cancer. Below is an article from the Chicago Tribune which documents Nick’s Passion for art, in this case, glass making. It is very ironic when considering the article is about the heat involved in blowing glass, and Nick was a a Chicago Firefighter.
Please sign up for the 2011 Run For The Kids 5K, by Ignite the Spirit. The Nick Grogan $5K High School Scholarship essay winner will be announced. All proceeds benefit Chicago Fire Department Charities, Burn Camp, Ignite the Spirit. Click here to learn more about the Run For The Kids 5K, July 14, 2011, and sign up online.
Fired Up Over Glass Making
November 07, 2003 By Jennifer Olvera, Special to the Tribune
Likely one of your earliest life lessons went something like this: If you play with fire, you’re going to get burned.
According to a growing number of Chicago artists, however, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, when properly approached, the art of glassblowing, which involves the manipulation of molten glass, is downright therapeutic.
And–to be honest–it’s a bit frightening.
“When you come into contact with 2,000 degrees of heat, your initial reaction is to get the heck out of there,” said Nick Grogan, a 23-year Chicago firefighter. “Even I wasn’t used to that amount of heat. But once you get past the initial shock, something magical starts to happen.”
Grogan has been collecting art glass for the last several years and took classes at Talisman Glass in Chicago two months ago to get a better understanding of the artistry.
“Once you know what you’re doing, glassblowing is relaxing–not to mention mesmerizing,” Grogan said. “In that regard, it’s quite a switch from the work I do every day.”
On the other hand, Jacquy Pfeiffer, owner and instructor of the French Pastry School in Chicago, specifically began classes at Talisman Glass over two years ago to expand his professional skills.
“I was able to come up with entirely new blown sugar creations as a result of the experience,” said Pfeiffer, who was 2002 coach of the U.S. Pastry Team. “I think that has a lot to do with why we won the gold medal during the World Pastry Team Championship last year.”
And although fire play–at least professionally speaking–may hit close to home for some, it’s a new experience for Barrington resident and horseback rider Karen Ward, who started her classes at the same studio three years ago.
“One day, a friend asked me what I wanted to learn more than anything, and this was it,” she said.
After completing an entire course load, from beginning instruction to solid sculpture, Ward decided to rent independent studio time.
“For most people, glassblowing is not like anything they’ve done before,” said Lance Friedman, creative director of Shatter Glass Group in Chicago. “That’s what makes it so exciting–and scary–at first. The tools, sounds and entire experience are completely foreign. That challenge is what makes it so exciting.”
Are you a member of the Chicago Fire Department with a high school aged child that attends a school that charges tuition? Win $5,000 in an essay contest. A scholarship in memory of Nick Grogan ret. CFD Engineer. Click here to learn more.
