Ok, I admit it the freshness of this blog has slightly dwindled whereby the last post I wrote was actually written on August 29th, So I’m about a week behind. The ships internet is incredibly slow and slightly frustrating… however I’m still here & blogging – Stay posted – It will be good!
Today Solstice docked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the 3rd time since I embarked. This is the start of my third week. Each week starts on a Sunday for the crew, this is when all the passengers board each week for a cruise also. The good thing is my happiness still remains. Another reason to be happy is Chris Rochelle from CMoG will rejoin the ship after a 5 week absence as our now supervisor. Don Pierce who has been lead gaffer since I embarked was filling in for Chris. Something of great fortune is having been able to work with Don again since my training at the museum in April. Don has worked in Corning with the Steuben crystal factory so his level of skill in making is fluid. Something I aspire to accomplish. Now that Chris is back on and team leader/ supervisor the fun begins. Chris is extremely proficient as a maker and he was my sanctuary while I undertook my training. Now that I have a good feeling about the glass/ my making and the set up it’s time to shine. Having made many things this last week, I’m feeling more confident in my ability. There are a great many different determining factors at play within this environment. Battling with the elements; being conscious of the ships movement and having people constantly in your face about when and where the raffle of glass is going to be. Now I understand how athletes must feel after they win a race or have just performed and are bombarded by the media. It’s exhausting; tiresome; ball breaking; dehumanising; frustrating and I’d much rather be maintaining a lil’ happiness. So a little ignorance is blissful.
Verity Jasmin Burley has been blowing glass for just over 10 years and relishes glass as a material. Originally from Australia, Verity has been living and working in the UK for a decade, although now the opportunity to Blow Glass at Sea has arisen to work for the worlds leading Glass Museum and Celebrity Cruise Lines, Blowing Glass at Sea. Providing Glass Blowing demonstrations, narrating and assisting the lead gaffer in the Hot Glass making process. The hands and head work together with the heart and soul; making glassblowing an art as well as a craft.
