Meet Taylor, the Hot Shop Manager at Niche! Our favorite quality about him? He is incredibly hardworking and exceptionally talented at what he does. Plus, he brings his adorable dog to work every day, and we just can't get enough of her. Keep reading Taylor's employee spotlight to learn about how he got started blowing glass and what he enjoys doing in his spare time.

What is your role at Niche and what does your day to day routine consist of?

I am the Hot Shop Manager (Lead Gaffer, Studio Technician, Participant in Product Development - specifically molds and mold production). Day to day I work on the Hot Shop team to produce the products, which is the glass-blowing aspect of production.

Tell us a little bit about your history with working with glass. What attracted you to the medium?

I started working with glass in 2006 while in college. The need for a high technical understanding as well as immediacy of action attracted me to the material. Each object made in glass represents a fluid gesture full of history, displaying the skill and understanding of the makers. Every touch leaves some type of visual representation that will stay for the life of the work. This idea, similar to an Enso, is a mark acting as a true representation of the artisan/craftsman and their understanding and relationship to the material.

Do you dabble in other art media? What influences your work?

Yes, as of recently I have been spending as much time as possible working with Neon. I also work with 3D modeling and CNC milling.

What is your favorite Niche pendant shape and color combination? Why?

The Terra modern pendant light in any color. It's one of the few “free-blown” or non-molded shapes in the Niche line and producing it allows the Gaffer to express and refine the concepts referenced in my answer to question number two.

What’s your favorite spot in Beacon or the Hudson Valley? Why?

Although it's less of a spot and more of an experience, I truly enjoy transit on the train heading to the city. The beauty of the natural environment while traversing on the train through the Hudson Valley, as well as witnessing the transition into the urban and industrial landscape, is by far one of my favorites.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Learning, especially learning different processes and approaches that involve working with glass or materials in general.