Esque Studio

Esque studio focuses on the study of glass blowing and hand makes all of their pieces. From vases to lights each one of their items is like a piece of art. The way they are able to shape the glass is beyond impressive and worth taking a look at. We spoke with the founders of Esque studio, Justin and Andi, who filled us in on their company and study of glass blowing.  

Quick bio of the founder/designer.  

 JUSTIN PARKER is recognized as one of the United States’ most skilled and sought after Gaffers. A protégé glass artist, he is most known for his knowledge and skill in creating larger than life organic and sculptural works. Justin apprenticed under Italian glass maestros in his twenties, with a focus on glass sculpture and blown forms, and applies this history and skill set to each of his designs. Justin is constantly pushing the physical limits of the material, creating new paradigms and standards. Parker is most recognized for his new forms, fearless techniques and original concepts in the field of glass as functional design. 

ANDI KOVEL is celebrated internationally as an influential accessory designer and glass blower in addition to exhibiting as a fine artist. Andi's background in sculpture, painting, accessory design, and art theory uniquely equip her to become one of the most original and influential glass artists working today. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and periodicals internationally.  Her trademark punk-lux style of form, function and color have influenced aspiring glass makers worldwide,  Kovel's avant-garde innovations of form and process have won her wide acclaim as a tastemaker of modern design. 

What is the brand's mission?  

Esque glass is hand blown with a unique vision of modern innovative design, and a fascination with light, movement and magic. Inspiration is rooted in our obsession with the etherial properties of glass.  Provocative, experimental, explorative and curious we celebrate the artists hand by highlighting the individuality of each creation. Esque is a homage to heritage, tradition and all the masters that have paved the way by mentoring, re-imagining and defining hand blown glass as an individual expression. Designers Andi Kovel and Justin Parker create and define Esque Studio as a collaboration rooted in the innovative exploration of glass. The two met in Brooklyn at Urban Glass where they worked as artists for hire to elite fine artists and designers. Their shared vision and aspiration gave birth to Esque, with the concept of creating modern, functional, concept-based glassware aimed at the design industry and away from the pedestal. For the past 20 years the duo have led a movement in glass by shattering the rules and redefining notions of craft and material associated with their medium.The duo have risen to international acclaim, most notably by being named part of Time Magazine’s “Design 100", today’s most influential and inspired international designers. They have designed and completed projects for clients including, Donna Karen, Ralph Lauren, The W Hotel,  Nike, Anthropologie, Sephora and Design Within Reach. The process of glassblowing is collaborative in nature and has inspired award winning lines designed with Harry Allen Design, Cedar & Moss and Heath Ceramics 

If you didn't start your company, what would you be doing?  

I’ve always wanted to be an artist and a professional skier, ever since I was a child.  Skiing is my favorite activity still, and to spend the entire day outside in the mountains with friends and family still tops my list.  Through fine art I stumbled into glassblowing, which lead to a passion for design.  I loved the medium but wasn’t interested in making pieces that sat on pedastles meant to be viewed from a distance.  I want my designs to be held and handled to be useful objects and family heirlooms…. My family is filled with designers in apparel and architecture and it is in our blood to create spaces and objects! -Andi Kovel  

Quarantine lifesavers?  

We are so entirely grateful for our work at this time!  Being able to come into the studio everyday has given us a sense of normalcy and an appreciation for what we have built.  When we have down time we turn our focus to creating new pieces and to experimentation.  Aside from glass, our other lifesavers are our dogs.  I can’t imagine a life without them as they bring pure joy, love and lightness to each day.  

Tell us a little bit about the product we're featuring.  

Our selections for Mother’s day focus on celebrations, making occasions special through embracing beautifully made colorful happy objects to cherish.  Pick flowers, drink wine, toast the little things to be grateful for each day, and call your mother.