The Man. The Myth. The Legend. (I actually have this t-shirt!) So, who am I?

Many people in the art glass world know me as ‘That guy from Aura Lens Products’. Some know me as that wise-ass who keeps shooting his mouth off. Others know me as a pot-stirrer and trouble-maker extraordinaire. But, really, who cares about those folks?

So, once again, who am I? Well, in a nutshell, yes, I am *that* guy from Aura Lens Products, the place where most folks purchase their filter eyewear ( http://www.auralens.net just in case you’ve never visited). I’m also an acknowledged “expert” on lampworker safety in the areas of ventilation and propane safety. I’ve given presentations at GAS (Glass Art Society) on eye safety and at the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers) on Ventilation.

I’m also a glassworker myself — my studio “name” is Sweet Cheeks Glassworks (and no, I’m not going to tell you how that name came about – you can make up a story to suit your sense of adventure if you like). I work only in borosilicate glass, and I make the occasional bead, but mostly pendants and sculptures. More on that later.

I live in Central Minnesota, in a quiet farming town called Royalton (between St. Cloud and Little Falls for those who want to dig out their atli (atleses?). My house overlooks the Mississippi River on one side and picturesque potato fields on the other side (did you know that the potato fields of Central Minnesota grow the finest french fry potatoes? Just ask McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy’s!

I am a voracious reader of science fiction, fantasy plus murder mysteries and the occasional romance novel (but only from Janet Evanovich). My favorite authors are John Ringo, David Weber, Clive Cussler and Laurell K. Hamilton.