DESCRIPTION
This project was in conjunction with the Corning Museum of Glass and the Vignelli Center for Design Studies. The Whiskey Gyre relates to the common social tendencies associated with whiskey drinking. The sights and sounds of ice clinking, liquor swishing, and glasses raised for cheers are often over-looked in the design of drinking vessels.
To “gyre” is to navigate in a circular motion. The Whiskey Gyre uses the circular motion of a glass marble to highlight the natural instinct to swirl one’s drink, while adding an auditory and visual element of play.
CHALLENGING THE ARTIST
The design of the Whiskey Gyre challenged local Rochester, NY glass blowing artists, Michael Rogers and Jamie Katz. Attempting to trap a marble in hot glass without getting stuck in the molten walls is a difficult task. After several attempts and adjustments they were able to successfully get a finished prototype.
In addition to the hot glass piece, another prototype was blown in parts then glued together. This used a steel ball instead of the glass to reduce the potential for scratching or breaking.
