Youngstar Glass - Functional Glass Art by Gwynovear Gillespie

Gwynovear Gillespie, also known as YoungStar Glass, is a glassblower from Oakland, currently working in San Francisco, CA. Her work incorporates natural forms in surreal collages in order to conceptualize body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria. Working primarily with borosilicate glass, she employs hand spinning techniques, as well as lathe working for larger pieces. Since 2015, Gwynovear has embraced a DIY ethos, meticulously crafting most components by hand. She is largely self-taught, engaging in creative collaborations with fellow artists, online demonstrations, and workshops to discover innovative techniques. Drawing inspiration from colleagues and larger figures like Salt, Laceface, and Buck, she has acquired a diverse range of techniques over the years. Her pieces exist in a realm between realism and cartoonishness, always aiming to convey a sense of motion and detachment through twists, turns, and perforations. While they may sometimes appear unsettling, the textures and protrusions of her artwork invite touch and interaction. Currently, Gwynovear is pursuing a college education in studio and sculptural art, balancing her studies with her glassblowing career, as she continues to explore her personal artistic vision and expand her practice.