A graduate of Syracuse University’s School of Architecture, Carl Siglin ran his own independent contracting company for 15 years before starting glassblowing. He began working with glass in 2003 and in 2008, he joined the Hot Glass Show team on Celebrity Cruises. Carl makes and sells his own line of production glass, and has taught beginning glassblowing classes for many years.
What do you do here at the Museum?
My title is “team leader of the Hot Glass Show at Sea”, but I work on lots of equipment, blow glass on all of our stages, help with special shows and have done several 2300° events.
What is the focus of your personal work?
Having come to glass late in life, after 40, my goal is to have fun, learn all I can, entertain as many people as possible, and just enjoy the journey.
What are you currently working on in your own projects?
Having spent the better part of 25 years in the construction industry, I am always looking to incorporate my glass blowing into projects that I build or remodel. Always looking to learn new glass skills, and enjoy learning from as many people as I can.
What inspires your work?
Color, precision, technique, and having fun.
Carl with a glass platter made at sea onboard a Celebrity Cruise ship
Favorite food?
Pasta, and seafood!
Coke or Pepsi?
Either one as long as it is cold.
Favorite TV show?
History channel, HGTV, but I also love a good comedy and an occasional chick flick!
Carl blowing glass at Corning's annual GlassFest
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
The Baltic for sure, would love to live in Sweden, Germany, Demark, or Holland!
Lino or Pino?
Both in their own right!
Vase by Carl Siglin
Bicycle or Motorcycle?
Bicycle for exercise, motorcycle for fun and excitement.
Batch or cullet?
Spruce pine.
Newspaper or steam pad?
Steam pad for sure, less mess!
Anything else you want to share?
I have been in 35 countries in the past 4+ years, blowing glass, meeting people, and sharing The Corning Museum of Glass. It has been a wonderful time in my life and it shows that one is never too old to do a 180, and try a whole new direction in life.
This blog is part of the Get to Know a Gaffer series, highlighting the Museum’s talented team of glassmakers. See them in action at the Hot Glass Show at the Museum, on the road, and at sea on Celebrity Cruises.
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