Zam Sonn, chaos theory, elves and melting glass
Zam Sonn
Cultivating the Corny Glass Farms
How long have you been melting glass? What got you into it?
I have been on the torch for 7 years, I began in January of 2013 in a small studio in Mckinleyville, Ca. I had seen soft glass demonstrations years before by Muffin Spencer at the Saudust Festival in Laguna Beach, Ca, and knew that this type of craft was for me. Then when I was introduced to the small shop in Mckinleyville I knew there was no turning back.
And what about hula-hooping, that's a big part of what your pieces emote, tell us about that. What do you like most about it?
Hula hooping has infiltrated every part of my life! Haha!
I began with a set of double hoops that were gifted from a friend. I primarily used them as tools for physical therapy for my upper body. Glassblowing can be hard on your body, and I really love pushing my limits, so I wanted to add something to my days that would help balance my work. These double hoops changed my life, keeping my creativity, agility, and recovery in sync.
Almost a year into my hoop journey I realized that there was something missing from the glass pipe industry. Flow Art. Connecting with more and more hoopers and seeing how many had a connection with cannabis, I was very surprised to find no one consistently putting out work inspired by these wonderful performers, so I felt the need to do so.
My favorite thing about hooping is the flow state, the art of continuation. When your mind and body are one, and your practice lines up with your confidence.
OK, we have to ask this, tell us about the chaos theory which is part of your IG moniker...
Ah, yes! The Chaos Theory Universe is my longest running body of work. Though I have other more recognizable production lines, this is one of my deepest passions.
I am a huge fan of story tellers like J.R.R Tolkien, George Lucas, and Dr. Seuss. These authors created a world with in which to tell their stories, and each character and tale was a response to something in our world.
The Chaos Theory Universe exists on the edge of what we know. The gaps in our histories and understanding lay the playing field for the variety of characters and mythologies. From Ancient Aliens to corn fields filled with crop circles the C.T.U. has many rabbit holes to fallow.
In addition to writing the stories and character backgrounds these last few years, I have been cultivating the Corny Glass Farms. This is a place with in the world where head farmer, Zam (me), tends to the landing sites for space ships that visit from the far reaches of the Chaos Theory Universe, and in the spare time makes all things Glass Corn.
Your pieces are about movement. How does moving and dance influence your work?
Movement is one of my favorite things to capture. Since I could hold a pencil I was trying to draw people, and this continued through every media I touched. When thinking of what positions can evoke feeling, tension, thought, I turned to those artists that know the body best. Dancers. Ballet and rhythmic gymnastics are some of the most impressive things to me.
And being an Elf, and tie-dyes, I mean, you definitely have developed your brand around these things which is really cool... Tell us more please.
In an ever growing world we are still all very unique, and when working with figures all the time in my work, it was only a matter of time before I began treating my own figure as art.
I wanted to incorporate things that I love, and that I thought were “Me”, so I began dressing more like a “Space Elf” for different events and demos. I was having fun with it and so was everyone else, so the Cosmic and Magical costumes are a must! haha
Now let's hear about the alien face with the long chin and bug eyes... If you were to make a piece for an alien nation, what would that be like?
Ooo, that’s a great question! If I had the chance to make a piece for an Extraterrestrial Nation I would want to create a “messenger of peace”, and incorporate cultural styles from all over our planet.
Who is your favorite living artist and why?
This is one of the harder questions I get asked. At this point in my work I don’t know if I can pinpoint it to one, but in our current industry Ive really been looking up to artists like GrimmGlass, and Micha Evans for their broad understanding of technique and excellent execution of those techniques.
Do you think the world is getting better?
I believe that the greater consciousness of our world is growing immensely, though the physical health may over all be in limbo for the humans and the planet.
What is your advice to other fellow artists for living and working in the pandemic?
Never stop the ideas from flowing! Even if you don’t have access to your normal studio, find ways to draw, blue print, or create. Maybe try a new media. The creative mind is an asset in an ever changing world, and people need creatives to keep creating. You never know what you might think up next!
What are you looking forward to this year?
Being settled, and diving in to ALL the art!
Tell us anything else we should know...
You are awesome!
You are most welcome!!!
See more of Zam’s pieces on Instagram @zam_chaostheory and @cornyglassfarms
