Design
KEEP glass
Everything produced by KEEP is made in Brooklyn.
Image courtesy of: Lightology, photographed by: Dean Podmore
The husband-and-wife pair of Adam Holtzinger and Susan Spiranovich have been busy in their Brooklyn studio. The couple realizes the importance of hand-craftsmanship in a world of automation and manufacturing machines. Thus, the duo stays their course with the utmost dedication to the craft of glass-blowing. KEEP’s path is clear… to maintain the craft of glass-blowing while utilizing Italian techniques in order to create contemporary work with superior craftsmanship and unique patterns.
Adam and Susan.
For over ten years, Holtzinger produced light fixtures for the likes of Niche Modern and Lindsey Adelman. In 2015, he decided that it was time to bring his own designs to life.
Image courtesy of: Cottages & Gardens, photographed by: Doug Young
KEEP is intent on keeping the craft of glassblowing alive in Brooklyn and, similar to the old-world masters, they have a small number of glassmakers that make up a team-based crew. Each and every piece is crafted the same way it would have been crafted centuries ago.
Hand-crafting brings way to individuality… small variations are present from piece to piece. The artisans are masters at recognizing the smallest of details and at pushing the world of lighting forward.
The DRUM Pendant.
There are variations you can choose such as the brass finish and the cloth-covered cords that are available in five colors.
Image courtesy of: KEEP Brooklyn
One of KEEP’s most requested items is the CANE DRUM Pendant. Striped patterning is actually a technique that was developed in 16th-century Italy. KEEP utilizes the old technique in a current design that results in a new twist. The multi-step process is comparable to making ribbon candy. Exact spacing, width, and timing must exist in order to produce the desired effect.
The complicated process involves many intricate lines that happen during perfectly-timed stages, these culminate in one final action of inflating the glass into the planned shape. Similar to the CANE DRUM Pendant is the CANE DRUM Globe.
The POKE Pendant is named as such because it is indented, or actually “poked” by hand.
This mid-century design comes in six colors: amethyst, citrine, aquamarine, slate, topaz, and opal.
Image courtesy of: Lightology, photographed by: Dean Podmore
The hope at KEEP is to keep the tradition of glass-making alive and thriving. The dream is that people will want to keep these special pieces in their home for a long time. The idea behind a today’s era of instant gratification is part of why Holtzinger chooses to take time in scoping each individual piece. There is a process that is followed so that everything made has importance and meaning.
Obviously mistakes happen; but Holtzinger has realized that making adjustments and learning from what occurred is vital. He called this a dialogue with the material, one which is crucial to growth as both an artist and a company.
For Holtzinger, it’s just part of the process…
Image courtesy of: Lightology, photographed by: Dean Podmore
Holtzinger hopes that once people understand the long process of glass-blowing and the traditions that the craft follows, they will have a greater appreciation for the pieces themselves. We live in an age of instant gratification and there is a lot to be said for working with our hands and developing something masterful. The story that the intricate process weaves is something that tangibly translates to the finished product. KEEP inspiring us please!
