Andy Koupal
Large Optic Bowl, 2023
Glass
4.5" x 10.5" x 10.5"
Detroit based Artist, Designer and Educator, Andy Koupal has over 15 years of experience working with glass. He received a BFA in 2009 from RIT’s School for American Crafts and honed his abilities while working for many shops and institutions including Simon Pearce, The Corning Museum and most recently The Henry Ford, where he worked full-time for 10 years as a production glassblower and managed the Glass Shop from 2018-2021.
Currently, Andy co-owns and operates out of a hot glass studio in Detroit, MI and serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at the College for Creative Studies, a position he has held since 2013.
Andy’s work is an evolution of traditional glassmaking techniques with a keen eye and passion for modern and contemporary design. Growing up in the Rust Belt, he is especially inspired by the cultural landscapes of the area represented in his sculptural works. The Optic Vessel series features hand blown glass with diamond textured translucence, an interplay of light and texture. The Optic Vessels marry vintage elegance and modern sophistication.