Glass Collectors: Why Collect??

JesusC · #1 (**permalink**) 03-05-2008, 10:23 PM

Kind of a long read, but I think its worth it.

It's probably no secret by now that I am an avid glass collector, thats what brought me to grasscity in the first place.

I know there are others out there who either collect glass already or who are looking to get into scene.....my question is why? Why do we throw down hundreads of dollars on glass pieces? Why do we seek to own pieces by the top blowers throughout the country/world?

What is the point of having thousands of dollars worth of glass sitting in a case, proudly on display?

Well, heres my answer:

Glass collecting is fun and exciting for a number of reasons. The first and most obvious reason is the pure form of art. If you actually have the chance to visit a headshop that carries high end glass and you see one of these heady pieces firsthand...its hard to argue the heavy price tag that comes along with it.

These pieces are blown by true artists in every sense of the word. Although glass has become very popular within the marijuana community, it has only been popular for a short period of time. The artists that have hit the scene (within the last 10-15 years) are really the pioneers of the glass scene. They have taken the idea of simple glass pieces and turned them into what we see today.

If youre unsure of the work im talking about, check out the pieces by Toro, Slinger, FREEEK, etc. There is a site you can go to that displays the work of all of these top artists (although none of it is for sale): www.glasspipes.org

One of two things will happen with the glass scene in the future. Either the laws on marijuana will become less and less (eventually leading to legalization) which will expand the glass buisness, or the laws will become even tighter on both marijuana and the glass culture (which I cant see happening considering the progress that is already being made) forcing the glass business to become almost non-existent.

Either way, by owning a top piece now you are owning something that defines a generation or smokers. Smoking has become much more than just rolling a joint and smoking it (at least for a large number of us). This generation of smokers is looking for top of the line pieces of glass that are both functional, as well as artistic.

I also believe the value of these heady pieces (if well taken care of) will rise as time goes on. These pieces will be sought after by glass colletors of the future who will want to own "pre-legalization" pieces....or pieces of art that really kicked off the glass craze of the 90's and early 00s. Imagine when artists like FREEEK and Slinger leave the glass scene....their work will become highly sought after, even more so than now I believe.

There was an incident a few months ago where a rumor was going around that roor.us (I believe?) was closing its doors and would no longer be making tubes. People in the glass community went nuts over this and had the rumor been true, collectors would have been scratching and clawing at the opportunity to get one before it was all said and done.

Finally, the next best thing to owning a piece like this is using it....followed by looking at it. Sounds simple enough. Use it, look at it, enjoy it.

For me, theres really nothing better than packin a bowl in a brand new heady piece, seeing how well it works, then sitting back and letting it all soak in as I enjoy my high and the fine piece of art that got me there.

Anyway, thats my little speech on why I enjoy collecting glass and where I see the whole scene going.

Why do you collect, or want to collect??

the color green · #2 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 12:39 AM

I don't have nor have I ever had an extensive collection, but I'd love to start collecting more pieces and getting more customs done once I have the money to do something like that. My favorite part about glass culture is definitely using it. Each piece, that my family has smoked out of has a lot of meaning, a lot of stories. My current piece is just an extension of myself, it's almost like a storybook. The summer of '06 when I was toking it up every day, that piece was there, that piece was in use. Some of the bubblers I've smoked out of just have huge amounts of history behind them. It's pretty special when you're using something that is like a family artifact.

mushroomsatsuji · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 12:42 AM

Its no different than collecting stamps, or bugs.

You ask why; I ask why not?

the color green · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mushroomsatsuji

Its no different than collecting stamps, or bugs.

You ask why; I ask why not?

It's fucking expensive.

Dan Gleesac · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 12:52 AM

i collect them because glass pieces are beautiful and functional art!!!! whats better then to collect beautifal things that you use to do something that you love?!?!?!

Highbinder · #6 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 01:10 AM

I don't collect things, and I hate clutter / unnecessary belongings. I'd much rather have one nice piece that I've formed a bond with (that may or may not be an individual piece) that I actually use, than have loads of glass and hardly use most of it. Same goes for anything else, I'd much rather have one guitar than loads that I don't play, one pair of shoes than loads I don't wear, etc etc. But thats me, and I can still see the attaction of collecting.

Rhythm of Life · #7 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 01:15 AM

Seeing as every single one of my pipes has been broken in the past couple months I guess I am no longer a glass collector

but the main reason I did buy so much glass is because its art. Some people have paintings on the wall, I have bubblers on my shelf. The main difference is my glass art actually has a purpose, a use to it.

Predator1 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 01:28 AM

I would really like to start collecting glass...

I'd like to have a display case filled with gorgeous pieces, but rarely use any of them. I would have one bowl that I smoked out of, and the rest would be purely decorative. Then, if there is a special occasion of some sort, I would break one out and smoke out of it- then put it back in place and continue using the regular bowl.

I have no idea why. But I want to, and that's enough for me.

Key2gb · #9 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 01:34 AM

All my pieces have different personalities...it seems weird but I love knowing the fact that when I get a new bowl I get to name it...when I name my new pieces they become like part of the family. I collect some basses too and I feel very similar about them...but once you start you just wanna get more...they really grow on you (I guess kinda like pets)

i dunno man around my hometown everyone loves L's...I'm one of a few people there that actually prefer glass to blunts..don't get me wrong tho...I'm not tryin to say I don't smoke blunts...

indicablue · #10 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 01:35 AM

4 053.jpg

These are a couple headies we sell at my shop. How could you not?

Key2gb · #11 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highbinder

I don't collect things, and I hate clutter / unnecessary belongings. I'd much rather have one nice piece that I've formed a bond with (that may or may not be an individual piece) that I actually use, than have loads of glass and hardly use most of it. Same goes for anything else, I'd much rather have one guitar than loads that I don't play, one pair of shoes than loads I don't wear, etc etc. But thats me, and I can still see the attaction of collecting.

I kinda know what you mean but you gotta have variety...for instance

don't get a bunch of bowls...get a spoon..a bubs..maybe a bong or two...you still mix it up and each piece still has it's uniqueness to it...between me and my roommates we have a nice spectrum goin

with my basses I have a 4,6, and fretless in the works (I need to fill in the frets with wood-filler)...so it's a collection but i still use each one to record different things

Rhythm of Life · #12 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 01:43 AM

Indica I swear to God I'm coming to Canada to raid your "tobacco assesories shop."

indicablue · #13 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhythm of Life

Indica I swear to God I'm coming to Canada to raid your "tobacco assesories shop."

I can lock us in the store and we can't leave til we have tried all 2400 glass pipes and bongs we have in our shop

Rhythm of Life · #14 (**permalink**) 03-07-2008, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indicablue

I can lock us in the store and we can't leave til we have tried all 2400 glass pipes and bongs we have in our shop

I need to change my pants .....

iKonic · #15 (**permalink**) 05-13-2008, 05:59 AM

My friend linked me to this post. I read the original post by, JesusC, and that's it. +rep

You said it all.

It's Art.

Edit: And Key2gb. You guys have it all covered.

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#1 (permalink) 03-05-2008, 10:23 PM
JesusC Habitual User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,358	Glass Collectors: Why Collect?? Kind of a long read, but I think its worth it. It's probably no secret by now that I am an avid glass collector, thats what brought me to grasscity in the first place. I know there are others out there who either collect glass already or who are looking to get into scene.....my question is why? Why do we throw down hundreads of dollars on glass pieces? Why do we seek to own pieces by the top blowers throughout the country/world? What is the point of having thousands of dollars worth of glass sitting in a case, proudly on display? Well, heres my answer: Glass collecting is fun and exciting for a number of reasons. The first and most obvious reason is the pure form of art. If you actually have the chance to visit a headshop that carries high end glass and you see one of these heady pieces firsthand...its hard to argue the heavy price tag that comes along with it. These pieces are blown by true artists in every sense of the word. Although glass has become very popular within the marijuana community, it has only been popular for a short period of time. The artists that have hit the scene (within the last 10-15 years) are really the pioneers of the glass scene. They have taken the idea of simple glass pieces and turned them into what we see today. If youre unsure of the work im talking about, check out the pieces by Toro, Slinger, FREEEK, etc. There is a site you can go to that displays the work of all of these top artists (although none of it is for sale): www.glasspipes.org One of two things will happen with the glass scene in the future. Either the laws on marijuana will become less and less (eventually leading to legalization) which will expand the glass buisness, or the laws will become even tighter on both marijuana and the glass culture (which I cant see happening considering the progress that is already being made) forcing the glass business to become almost non-existent. Either way, by owning a top piece now you are owning something that defines a generation or smokers. Smoking has become much more than just rolling a joint and smoking it (at least for a large number of us). This generation of smokers is looking for top of the line pieces of glass that are both functional, as well as artistic. I also believe the value of these heady pieces (if well taken care of) will rise as time goes on. These pieces will be sought after by glass colletors of the future who will want to own "pre-legalization" pieces....or pieces of art that really kicked off the glass craze of the 90's and early 00s. Imagine when artists like FREEEK and Slinger leave the glass scene....their work will become highly sought after, even more so than now I believe. There was an incident a few months ago where a rumor was going around that roor.us (I believe?) was closing its doors and would no longer be making tubes. People in the glass community went nuts over this and had the rumor been true, collectors would have been scratching and clawing at the opportunity to get one before it was all said and done. Finally, the next best thing to owning a piece like this is using it....followed by looking at it. Sounds simple enough. Use it, look at it, enjoy it. For me, theres really nothing better than packin a bowl in a brand new heady piece, seeing how well it works, then sitting back and letting it all soak in as I enjoy my high and the fine piece of art that got me there. Anyway, thats my little speech on why I enjoy collecting glass and where I see the whole scene going. Why do you collect, or want to collect?? __________________

#2 (permalink) 03-07-2008, 12:39 AM
the color green Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: United States Posts: 2,423	I don't have nor have I ever had an extensive collection, but I'd love to start collecting more pieces and getting more customs done once I have the money to do something like that. My favorite part about glass culture is definitely using it. Each piece, that my family has smoked out of has a lot of meaning, a lot of stories. My current piece is just an extension of myself, it's almost like a storybook. The summer of '06 when I was toking it up every day, that piece was there, that piece was in use. Some of the bubblers I've smoked out of just have huge amounts of history behind them. It's pretty special when you're using something that is like a family artifact.

#3 (permalink) 03-07-2008, 12:42 AM
mushroomsatsuji exquisitely empty Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: H-Town Posts: 5,353	Its no different than collecting stamps, or bugs. You ask why; I ask why not? __________________ Family, unity, with diversity and individuality. When the Devil asks you to dance, you better say never, because a dance with the Devil, may last you forever. Immortal Technique

#5 (permalink) 03-07-2008, 12:52 AM
Dan Gleesac Official Psychonaut Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Humboldt 707 Posts: 3,909	i collect them because glass pieces are beautiful and functional art!!!! whats better then to collect beautifal things that you use to do something that you love?!?!?! __________________

#6 (permalink) 03-07-2008, 01:10 AM
Highbinder Hey beautiful day Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4,501	I don't collect things, and I hate clutter / unnecessary belongings. I'd much rather have one nice piece that I've formed a bond with (that may or may not be an individual piece) that I actually use, than have loads of glass and hardly use most of it. Same goes for anything else, I'd much rather have one guitar than loads that I don't play, one pair of shoes than loads I don't wear, etc etc. But thats me, and I can still see the attaction of collecting. __________________

#7 (permalink) 03-07-2008, 01:15 AM
Rhythm of Life sweet skiddz bruh Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,826	Seeing as every single one of my pipes has been broken in the past couple months I guess I am no longer a glass collector but the main reason I did buy so much glass is because its art. Some people have paintings on the wall, I have bubblers on my shelf. The main difference is my glass art actually has a purpose, a use to it. __________________

#8 (permalink) 03-07-2008, 01:28 AM
Predator1 Probably Masturbating Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: MD Posts: 2,666	I would really like to start collecting glass... I'd like to have a display case filled with gorgeous pieces, but rarely use any of them. I would have one bowl that I smoked out of, and the rest would be purely decorative. Then, if there is a special occasion of some sort, I would break one out and smoke out of it- then put it back in place and continue using the regular bowl. I have no idea why. But I want to, and that's enough for me. __________________

#9 (permalink) 03-07-2008, 01:34 AM
Key2gb You've got to be HILIKUS Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: CT Posts: 1,591	All my pieces have different personalities...it seems weird but I love knowing the fact that when I get a new bowl I get to name it...when I name my new pieces they become like part of the family. I collect some basses too and I feel very similar about them...but once you start you just wanna get more...they really grow on you (I guess kinda like pets) i dunno man around my hometown everyone loves L's...I'm one of a few people there that actually prefer glass to blunts..don't get me wrong tho...I'm not tryin to say I don't smoke blunts... __________________ vale

#10 (permalink) 03-07-2008, 01:35 AM
indicablue I rule the headshop Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 403	4 053.jpg These are a couple headies we sell at my shop. How could you not? __________________ Indicablue_ on TOKECITY, come drop me a line!

#12 (permalink) 03-07-2008, 01:43 AM
Rhythm of Life sweet skiddz bruh Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,826	Indica I swear to God I'm coming to Canada to raid your "tobacco assesories shop." __________________

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

#15 (permalink) 05-13-2008, 05:59 AM
iKonic Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 227	My friend linked me to this post. I read the original post by, JesusC, and that's it. +rep You said it all. It's Art. Edit: And Key2gb. You guys have it all covered. __________________ If I wrote those.. I'm probably stoned. I was stoned while I wrote that -^ And that.. and this. And all of it. Last edited by iKonic; 05-13-2008 at 06:02 AM.