My name is Chris “Hickory” Vickers. I’ve been blowing glass since 2001. Before that I made and sold pipes that were made of materials other than glass. I used different types of stone, wood, antlers, and bamboo. Once I was able to give glassblowing a try I realized the endless possibilities it offered. There was no going back. My style has changed over the years as I explored those possibilities. These days I’m working with this tree style, exploring the “nature” of glass. As I explore this medium I find it’s grounded in nature. It’s form; it’s flow, the physics and laws of physics. Creating pieces inspired by nature has become a way for me to connect to the reality of glass. That reality is amazingly diverse. The things I see others creating blows my mind. I’m often inspired by the work of others, by the realities they create, often pieces that are very “unnatural”.
I live in southern Vermont with my wife Beth. In 2004 we bought an old school bus, converted it to an RV and took it to the “last” Phish show. The following summer we bought some land, put up a small building, which is now my shop. We lived in that bus while we built our house. We now have two kids Clara 5 and Willem 4 and are expecting our third kid in September. We have just completed an addition to the house where Beth has moved her business into, The Vermont Maple Granola Co. I spend my day’s glassblowing. My evenings are divided between construction projects and family.
Most of my work goes to stores in the northeast. Full Tank, Stash and Stowe, OPM, Herbal tea and Tobacco, 42 degrees, Shakedown, A kind place, The Bern gallery. Over the years I’ve been developing relationships with those stores owners. I feel the people I work with see our relationship as symbiotic and that together we make a life for our selves. Some of my work I get to sell myself at shows. I really enjoy meeting the people who will be using my pipes. This summer I’ll be blowing glass and vending at Gathering of the Vibes. Last year was awesome and I’m looking forward to this year. The rest of the glass I make is for custom orders. Most custom orders have a very quick turnaround, as I give them precedence. Please feel free to give me a call if you would like something.
Peace, Hickory.
