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Marcus Thesing Art Glass Pictured: Hyacinth Violet in the Wind Full artist profile

Marcus A. Thesing was born and raised in southern California and first became interested in art at a young age. His father, who sculpted as a young man, always had figurative sculptures around as Marcus grew up. This influenced him and motivated him to create sculpture and three-dimensional art.  

He attended Orange Coast College and obtained an Associate Arts degree. Marcus explored almost every art class they had to offer, from figurative sculpture and drawing to computer graphics and photo, 3-D color and design, painting and bronze casting.  He was absorbing techniques and finding focus when he met John Barber, a master glassblower living in Laguna Beach.  John invited him to visit his glass studio to witness molten glass being made into art.   Upon that visit, John said, "step up and take a gather." (The word "gather" is what glassblowers say when they gather the glass out of the furnace.) Marcus was overwhelmed. The glass was so fluid, yet so strong, it was surreal, and instantly he was hooked. John Barber subsequently offered him a three-year apprenticeship to explore the medium and assist him in making works of art. Afterwards, Marcus yearned to develop more skills before designing his own work, so he stayed to work with John for six more years. He honed his skills and learned new techniques, developed designs and sold his own work. Marcus's love for nature very much influences his artwork and informs his color patterns and shapes.

After nine years of working for John Barber, it was time to move on. In 2003 Marcus' dream of having his own glassblowing studio came true. He now turns his time and focus into creating new designs with the molten media he loves.