After 15 years of working at his craft, Corpus Christi glass blowing artist, Brad Pearce, is returning to Rockport. It was there that he was first inspired to pursue the art of glass blowing.
"The creativity, and the heat of the furnace, it was hot, it was fast," Pearce said. "It’s a captivating thing."
Starting April 7th, The Rockport Center for the Arts will feature 70 pieces of Pearce’s latest work for his first-ever solo exhibit. It’s something he’s been working toward for more than a decade.?
Pearce was first introduced to glass blowing when he was 18 years old. He reached out to Rockport artist, Steve Russell, who taught him about the craft. During that meeting, he knew immediately, he wanted to spend the rest of his life glass blowing.
Soon after, Pearce created his first piece of glass art. It was the first of many. For the next 12 years, he traveled across the country, perfecting his craft.
He went to school, and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts at the Art Institute of Cleveland. Then he worked with other prominent glass artists across the country.
"I left in pursuit of my passion and now I’ve come back and it’s a very warming feeling when I walk in and see this here in Rockport," Pearce said.
His solo-exhibit is named ‘Full Circle,’ a reminder of the journey he has been on. Since returning to Corpus Christi in 2015, Pearce opened his own studio called The Texas Project Glass Studio. There he creates and sells his own work.
However, for the next month, many of his pieces will be displayed at the Center for the Arts. Pearce says to have this opportunity in Rockport, is bringing his experience full circle.
"This is simply the byproduct of a lot of work that isn’t seen," Pearce said. "It is a hard job, but its for the love of the game."
The Full Circle exhibit is open until May 19th. For more information on Pearce, his work, or his studio, click here.
