For twenty years, Wimberley Glassworks' reputation has been based upon creating the finest handblown glass in Texas. Since entering the market, the studio has maintained a stalwart presence in the art glass lighting scene and has been a leading example in creativity and quality craftsmanship. Continually exploring the boundaries between form and function, the studio supports a wide variety of aesthetics and interior design options. Over the years, the studio has attained national and international recognition which has fostered many endeavors and unique opportunities both public and private. Whichever the arena, the goal is to illuminate any space both figuratively and literally.There are a lot of studios that make lighting, there aren't a lot of studios that make lighting well. We make art glass lighting well. - Tim de JongThe studio's most recent endeavor is exhibited in the brand new Granite Park/Briar Park Green building in Houston, Texas. The studio's most recent endeavor is exhibited in the brand new Granite Properties Briar Park Green building designed by PGAL Architecture in Houston, Texas. Completed in the summer of 2013, The River of Glass exemplifies the studio's design philosophy and that which they do best; creating the highest quality, handblown glass available. Inspired by the beautiful Blanco River; a stretch of water known throughout Texas for its idyllic scenery, wandering water flows and clarity, the Briar Park design was created in essence to evoke the same characteristics which has made the river so famous.Spanning one hundred and ten feet, this conceptual watercourse is intended to provide the building much more than something merely spectacular to look at. Part of the purpose was also meant to provide a natural sense of flow for the traffic of people entering and exiting the building. The concept necessitated a unique approach where an indention of one and a half feet was initially cut into the ceiling. Meandering between twelve feet wide in some areas and six feet in others, the course follows the interior of the lobby running North and South. To promote a sense of fluidity, the inverted river bottom was fortified with an iridescent textural finish containing hints of interference green, blues and orange. Similar to that of a blank canvas, once the ceiling was properly finished and perfectly primed the river bottom was ready for installation.Proprietary, powder coated steel pendants were employed at varying lengths to further the concept and random nature of flowing water undulating up and down throughout the recessed area of the ceiling. Incorporating one of the studio's most popular color motifs, the Emerald Ocean pattern became the natural color candidate for the inserted portion of the glass shade. Approximately 17 inches in length, the inner cylinder of glass dictates the overall tone and atmosphere of the installation. To finish the core component, a much larger clear cylinder was created and fitted to ensure the success of the river concept. Ranging upwards to approximately twenty-four inches long, the organically shaped outer hull was developed using an Italian glassblowing technique where baking soda is employed to create the effervescent character in the glass. Referred to as Prima Vera, this particular technique is best known for the multitude of bubbles that are inherent throughout the glass to which it is applied. The amorphous casings add the finishing touch to this one of a kind composition. Completion of this gorgeous endeavor was punctuated by the addition of extra lighting along the curvatures of the recessed area of the ceiling. The entire piece was fitted exclusively with environmentally sound, 3 watt LED bulbs. In the end, Wimberley Glassworks created a spectacular viewing experience that again exemplified the beautiful balance between form and function.Wimberley Glassworks has been a vital creative partner in helping Granite to 'brand' our new buildings with one of a kind lobby lighting ensembles which are always the centerpiece of discussion when we open the buildings to the public.- David R. Cunningham, Granite Properties Director, Development and ConstructionThis project and many others are a testament to the studio's passion and dedication to handblown glass and lighting. The essence of working with glass; unlike other mediums, is its accommodating character which can be applied to any concept, design, context or interior. Please visit www.wgw.com and see for yourself why Wimberley Glassworks is the best when it comes to custom, handblown art glass lighting. Corporate brochures are available in PDF format upon request.