About Clinton Smith

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Drawing inspiration from the natural wonders of Berkshire County, I've been crafting my art in various forms for over two decades — including paperweights, blown glass, sculpture, and lampworked glass. Raised in Connecticut, my journey into glass art began at age 19 when I started an apprenticeship in glass. This led me through diverse experiences in various local glass studios in New York and Connecticut before settling into a 20-year journey at Gartner Blade in Ashley Falls, MA.

My deep appreciation for the local fauna and flora in the Berkshires shapes my artistic expression

As a self-taught lampworker, I delved into different techniques, finding beauty in their fragility. This led me to discover the art of encasing lampworked elements in glass, igniting my passion for the paperweight technique. Through years of experimentation, resilience, and determination, my paperweights found their unique form.

In 2006 my connection with my wife, Katie, deepened when we moved to the Berkshires — a place that nurtures both of our creative spirits — to be closer to Gartner Blade. Our shared glass and photography studio on our property has become a haven for us to explore our respective passions. Our son, Charlie, was born in 2012. He shares in the wonder of my creations, often visiting my studio to witness the creation of intricate glass creatures.

My deep appreciation for the local fauna and flora in the Berkshires shapes my artistic expression, while my love for outdoor pursuits like fishing, canoeing, traditional archery, and hiking provides additional layers to my creative inspiration.

 

Exhibitions

 

2025

2024


2023


 

2022


 

2021


 

2020


 

2019


 

2018


 

2017


 

2016


 

2015


 

2014


 

2013


 

2003


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 Press

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 Awards

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2022

Recipient of a scholarship for the workshop Flameworked Goblets as a Tool for Growth taught by Eric Goldschmidt. This scholarship was awarded by the Paperweight Collectors Association, October 2022.

2018

Recipient of a full scholarship to the Corning Museum of Glass workshop, “Engraving” with Matteo Seguso. This scholarship was awarded by the Paperweight Collectors Association of Texas

2016

Recipient of an equipment grant. This scholarship was awarded by the Delaware Valley Paperweight Collectors Association

2014

National Paperweight Collectors Association Artist of the Month, August 2014.

2013

Niche Award, 2013 Lampworked Glass, Philadelphia, PA. February 2013.

2012

National Paperweight Collectors Association Artist of the Month, June 2012

Recipient of a full scholarship to the Corning Museum of Glass workshop, “From the Kiln to the Hotshop (and back again)” with Mark Ditzler, Harry Seaman, and Gayla Lee.

 
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