Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Barry.
Hi Tyler, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For as long as I can remember, art and design have been integral parts of my life. My dad, Tim Barry, is a ceramicist and teacher. He introduced me to art before I could even speak. One of my earliest memories is of us getting our hands dirty and playing with clay. He would let me help him fire our creations in the wood kiln, a special kind of oven for drying clay. What fascinated me most was building and maintaining the wood fire. I loved everything about fire. The color, smell, and heat it gave off. At six years old, I became a full-fledged pyro.
Along with some of his artist friends, my dad founded Hot Shops Art Center, an artist co-op in Omaha, Nebraska. With 60 studios and roughly 80 artists working across every style, I was fully immersed in all things creative. After school, Hot Shops was my playground. While my friends played sports, I would studio-hop and experiment with various mediums. One in particular had a hold on me: glass blowing.
After lingering in the glass studio day after day, I finally had the opportunity to assist. My job was to spray water on the wad of newspaper that the lead glassblower, Ed Fennel, used to shape a hot piece of glass. It was a menial task, but one that paved the path for my future. When the end of the day approached, Ed asked if I wanted to try making something. There was nothing I wanted more. That afternoon, Ed helped me make my first piece. It was only a paperweight, but I was hooked. I spent most days after school in the glass shop assisting Ed and cleaning in exchange for lessons. Eventually, Ed introduced me to Therman Statom. Therman took me under his wing and became my mentor throughout high school. He showed me that my dream of becoming a professional glassblower could become a reality. He pushed me to be uncomfortable, try new things, and to create pieces just to see where it took me.
After graduating high school, Therman set me up with an internship at Joe Cariati Glass in Los Angeles. It was an unforgettable 6-week internship that led to a job offer. My round-trip ticket quickly became a one-way flight. At 19, I ditched my bowl cut, got a tattoo, and became an Angeleno resident and full-time glassblower. For the last ten years, I have been collaborating with various artists and designers, building skills, and bringing my designs to life. Today, I am beyond proud to have officially launched my own brand Tyler Barry Design.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am incredibly lucky that since day 1, I’ve been surrounded by a network of people who are both generous and supportive. I am forever grateful to my friends and peers who’ve shared everything with me from their technique to studios, the adults who recommended me for scholarships and financial aid when I was too young to be taken seriously, my family who believed in a kid following his dream, and to my fiancé who bares with my often grueling schedule.
But it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Money was tight growing up. While my parents gave us the best life they could, I was very aware of the financial position we were in. Part of my early struggles were learning how to adapt, navigate, problem solve, and make decisions purely based on what we could afford. After high school, when my friends were partying in the dorms, I was already working full-time. Slowing down for college, only to then owe student loans, wasn’t a possibility for me.
We’re not artists because there is a pot of gold waiting for us. And even though financial fluidity is part of the job, living in a fiscally uncomfortable place is stressful. But while I grew up poor, I also know that we were very rich in other ways. Discomfort forced me think and be creative. I think artists who are raised with more financial privilege actually have a disservice in a number of ways because humble beginnings taught me so much. Like my mentor, Therman, always says, “As soon as you’re comfortable, you stop growing.” And I believe that’s true.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a full-time glassblower with over 22 years of experience, I live for glass and everything it has to offer. With the launch of my brand, Tyler Barry Design, I’ve learned to redefine my craft and its meticulous process by designing pieces that are both functional and decorative. My designs are a study of line, form, and light with an emphasis on clean, modern simplicity. For my latest collection, which consists of uniquely hand-blown barware, drinking glasses and home decor, I was inspired by Bauhaus and Mid-Century Modern.
Knowing that I’ve played a small part in building the glass scene here in Los Angeles fills me with so much pride. It is very rewarding to watch our community grow and see industry friends thrive and make glass blowing more accessible to people from all walks of life.
What sets me apart from others in the field is my age (29), experience, and work ethic. I’m also super easy to get along with, which not only has enabled opportunities to emerge but also the ability to work with many different types of designers from lighting to sculpture to interior.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The pandemic reinforced my passion for and the importance of the arts. At a time when we couldn’t physically be near one another, I learned that expression through art is even more necessary. Art, like the pandemic, can connect us by creating an opportunity to communicate without words, to share our passions, and to sit with discomfort. I’m grateful to work with glass, something so fragile yet dangerous, because last year especially it taught me to take risks, be present, and persevere.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.tylerbarrydesign.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/tylerbarrydesign
- Facebook: facebook.com/tylerbarrydesign
- Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCWiq8-ZaQIhazJEEVrhqxlg
Image Credits:
Tyler Barry Matt Reyes Alyssa Hunter
