“I fell in love with glass when I was 14 – nothing compares to the intensity of working with it. The process of glassblowing is like a dance in which glass is the lead. One needs to continually adjust to the whims of the molten liquid in an ever-changing waltz. The challenge of mastery is exhilarating and frustrating at the same time. There is always something to learn when working with glass.”
Connor M. O’Brien is a contemporary artist with a passion for glass and metal sculpture. He has a focus on precision in a medium that is by nature fluid and non-conforming. O’Brien focuses on presenting the beauty of glass in dramatic designs. He uses caning and murrine techniques and often adds depth to his pieces with glass carving.
O’Brien’s personal journey started at The Prairie School in Racine, Wisconsin, which had a small glass-blowing studio. The studio and his art teacher Kevin Pearson ignited an artistic spark. He attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. While attending SAIC, he focused on metal casting techniques using the lost wax process. O’Brien brought his glass background into the foundry by combining the two materials and making vessel forms to be carved using traditional glass grinding techniques.
O’Brien joined Ignition Community Glass in the very early stages of its inception, assisting with the first sessions of the After School Matters program in 2015, as well as the Youth Outreach Service. After School Matters is a program that provides Chicago public high school teens with opportunities to explore their talents and develop important life skills.
O’Brien was a Lead Artist/Instructor and an integral part of the Ignition Community Glass team. In addition, he was the Teaching Assistant/Studio Technician for five summers at Ox-Bow School of Art, located in Saugatuck, Michigan.
Connor operates in his glass hot and cold shop, located in Bensenville, Illinois.
Connor was honored by Bergstrom Mahler Museum of Glass with 2nd place best in show at their 2023 Glass Festival.
O’Brien has pieces on display at the Bergstrom Mahler Museum, in Neeha WI, Museum of Wisconsin in West Bend, WI, Cappaert Contemporary Gallery, Egg Harbor, WI;