His Creative Process
David Salazar has been a glassblower and designer for over 50 years. He began in 1972 at Lundberg Studios in Davenport, California. Using new techniques to decorate glass, he eventually became their chief designer. It was during this time that he became associated with Larry Selman, one of the foremost paperweight dealers in the world. David’s work has been featured in many of Selman’s catalogues, as well as books for the paperweight collector. David also exhibited pieces at the Tiffany Exhibit for the Museum of Art in Chicago.
In 1981, David left Lundberg’s to start his own studio. He built his furnace and ovens using his engineering skills and knowledge of heating and electrical systems. In 1988, David’s association with Bert Cohen, marble dealer, led to doing marbles in flower and sea life patterns, as well as traditional swirls. His Angelfish marble was featured in the April 1988 issue of the Smithsonian Magazine. His Iris marble in the Van Gogh style and other pieces became part of the permanent collection of the Corning Museum of Glass. Today, his marbles are some of his most popular items, and he carries over 30 different kinds, including holiday motifs, flowers, moon & star patterns, and seascapes.
His work is featured in many periodicals and reference books, including Marilyn Barrett’s book, Immies, Aggies, Shooters and Swirls, The Art of the Paperweight by L.H. Selman, and Mark Block’s, Contemporary Marbles and Related Art Glass.
In the past 20 years, David has played host to many groups of students from the local school districts, who come to watch the creative process. His demonstrations are entertaining as well as informative. His studio is open, on appointment, to interested individuals or groups. David has donated countless pieces to schools and nonprofits for fundraisers.
David continues to design and create new and exquisite glass vases, marbles, tumblers, bowls, and glass pumpkins in his studio.
Galleries & Collections
David also designs classical style vases, bowls, and tumblers, primarily in the Art Nouveau fashion. Some of his pieces are in styles reminiscent of Tiffany and Van Gogh. Other niche markets that he has expanded into are toothpick holders for collectors, pumpkins in various colors and sizes, and glass hearts.
Some of the galleries and stores that carry David’s work are Carlyn Gallerie in Dallas, Texas, The Real Mother Goose in Seattle, Washington, the Whaler in Maui, Indigenous Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio and Made in Santa Cruz.
His work is represented in the permanent collection at the Corning Museum of Glass. David also created a commemorative piece for the Bergstrom-Mahler Glass Museum’s 50th Anniversary. He was the guest speaker at the Amana, Iowa National Marble convention, and a guest speaker at the Wheaton Village Glass conference in New Jersey.
