Make Art: Caleb Storm, Artist at Home
Caleb Storm nurtured both an interest in glass art and a friendship with his teacher and mentor into a business relationship where both continue to explore and create new forms of art. Board member, John Ross, interviewed this talented glass artist about his past, present, and future in working with glass.
Caleb grew up around crafters and artists, often meeting them in the stores his mother owned called Seeds of Light, stores familiar with many in Roanoke and Blacksburg over the years. That’s where he met his friend, later teacher and now business partner, Kenan Tiemeyer, who was beginning to explore crafting in glass by making beads. Over time, Kenan’s skill grew as did Caleb’s interest in glass blowing.
At the time, about 15 years ago, it was difficult for someone with an interest in glass blowing to find an opportunity to learn more about it. Unlike now, where there are YouTube channels and Facebook groups for glass artists to connect and learn, Caleb had to find a different way to pursue his passion. About five years into their friendship, Caleb began as an apprentice with Kenan, allowing him to set up his first glass studio, as working with others was the most viable method of developing glass blowing skills. He later lived in Colorado and traveled in the West where he expanded his repertoire of techniques by taking different classes and working with various artists.
That’s when Caleb ran across the process of copper electroforming. A full explanation is a bit scientific, but essentially electroforming is a process of fusing copper onto another object—it can be fused onto just about anything, as Caleb is now working with fusing copper onto natural materials. Once fused, additional layers of precious metals, like gold or silver, can also be added on top of the copper. Because of the science, and a bit of creative magic, involved in the process, it’s fitting that the two business partners—15 years after their initial collaboration—have opened their store with the appropriately poetic name Blue Ridge Alchemy.
Currently, the partners have established themselves by making and selling a variety of ornamental and utilitarian art glass. Caleb notes, “These are fun to make, and they sell well, but they only apply to a small group of people. My vision is a lot bigger than that.” Some of the bigger projects he has in mind include fountains, lights and chandeliers, and large home décor installations.
This work is important to Caleb because working with the type of glass he uses is very intricate and requires great technique. He works in borosilicate glass which cools very quickly unlike other artists who prefer soft glass that can be pulled out of the flame and manipulated for a few minutes (consider Chihuly). Working with it allows him to reflect on many aspects of his own life. Unlike life, when working with glass, you can manipulate it as a liquid and you get to determine when to stop and freeze it in shape. Caleb says you can feel the flow of energy through your arms.
He also notes that working with borosilicate glass is something that one can do on their own, like in a garage or workshop. You don’t need a team of people. When asked how people might get started in glassmaking of this nature, Caleb noted that now there are many helpful sites and tutorials online. One of his favorites is the YouTube Channel Torch Talk that features hundreds of videos, many of glass artists working and explaining their work as they do it. There are also Facebook groups for glass artists where interested people might find others in their areas.
And if you’re the kind of person that would rather learn with some hands-on experience working with others, Caleb notes there are now more schools and individuals that offer classes or perhaps even an apprenticeship, just like the way he started. He and Kenan offer classes and can help the novice glass artist learn and practice and determine the equipment they might need to get started.
You can learn more about Caleb and Kenan on their website at blueridgealchemy.net.