Jordan Lucas started his artistic career at age 19 as part of a cutting edge group in Corvallis bringing a specialized glass blowing technique called lampworking – or American Contemporary Flamework – to the next level. Over the years he’s had his successes, his highs and lows, and the desire for evolving into whatever creative inspiration draws him toward.
Sculpture Glass Art and Degenerate Art
Back in the ‘90s, Bob Snodgrass, renowned as the Godfather of artistic “hard glass” in the U.S., moved to Eugene where he experimented with hard glass for smoking-related items – creating new techniques which changed the industry. “Hard glass” refers to glass that’s sculpted in the flames of torches, differing from soft glass where the glass is heated to molten in hot ovens. Snodgrass taught his techniques to local students.
However, there was a group in Corvallis – including Lucas – who didn’t have access to those kinds of classes. Young and energetic, they created their own style and aesthetic of glass pipes. As the glass art movement grew, it became known as “Degenerate Art” – a movement in which thousands of creators now take part.
Lucas, – or “Sheepdawg”, as he was known then – started out making glass pendants. Like many artists, he learned by doing, creating mugs, wine glasses, smoke pipes and bubblers.
“One piece I made for a friend was a cake topper for her wedding,” said Lucas. “It had beautiful pink flower petals and two bees which represented the couple drinking from the nectar of life.”
This kind of art is more subcultural and takes a special kind of clientele. Lucas, who set up his equipment in his garage, found one such client through mutual friends. This client’s business had a parrot as their branding, and requested Lucas make custom pieces for them.
“They were a dream client,” said Lucas. “The only requirement was the pipes or bubblers to be a parrot. They gave me creative freedom and paid me monthly.”
On average, Lucas’ pieces sold for $2,000. One of his favorite pieces, Cecil the Hunter Parrot, had a removable hat and hands and was also able to hold accessories, such as a glass hunting rifle replica of Ruger .270; it sold for $6,000.
According to Lucas, some of his fellow artists sell much more complex pieces – starting at $10,000 and upwards of $100,000 – that look like fish, birds, animals of all types, dragons, intricate skeletal sculptures, and even chandeliers, all while retaining their functionality as smoke pipes.
Plasma Torch Art
Creative burnout and other life events led to Lucas putting his torch down and trying his hand at other endeavors, such as learning how to farm hemp. He recently met up with his neighbor, Dave Wills, former owner of Oregon Trails Brewery, and they discussed the pile of old kegs that had been once used at the brewery.
Lucas’ creative instincts kicked in, and the two of them are partnering on a new business that will repurpose the kegs into bar decor – custom-made keg lights. He was excited at the prospect of picking up a torch again, only this time, it will be a plasma cutter able to slice through the stainless steel metal with ease.
While he has made a few sconces featuring art such as hops – inspired by Wills’ fresh hops business – and forests, the partners have sold customized keg lights to local taverns such as The Downward Dog on NW Monroe Ave and Meet ‘N Place Tavern on Main Street in Philomath.
“I’ve made some sports logos, like Benny or the Raiders,” said Lucas. “But way more fun has been creating unique crests for people to hang in their man caves or she sheds.”
Plans for the Future
Lucas wants to get back into his glass art again, albeit in new ways this time. He plans on building a proper studio in Kings Valley as an upgrade from the garage. Hoping to expand his art and move on from the functional sculptures of pipes, he envisions incorporating blown glass craft pieces into other art pieces, such as canvas paintings.
“I’m currently in [second] place for a DIY Hero competition where I could win $25,000,” said Lucas. “That would go to making my studio for not just glass blowing, but other mediums too.”
If you are interested in seeing more of Lucas’ art, check out his Instagram. Come see him play the drums as a guest percussionist at the Kings Circle Church or other places around town, like Bombs Away Cafe.
By Stacey Newman Weldon
Update: Find The Downward Dog at restaurantji.com/or/corvallis/the-downward-dog-campus-/
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