Milon Townsend
Milon Townsend has been making artwork in glass for over 35 years. He has created a vast body of work, from perfumes and paperweights to fine one-of-a-kind sculptures. His training in classical music was instrumental in his tendency to create objects with form, balance, and harmony.
Primarily a flameworker, Milon uses torches to melt rods and tubes of glass to shape and form his sculptures. In the last decade, he has incorporated many of the technological approaches formerly reserved to industry but increasingly available to artists in the creation of their work.
He recently created a body of work, using the techniques of lost wax casting in crystal, as well as reverse relief casting around an investment positive image.
Milon says, “I am fascinated by the human form as a means of expressing personal and universal themes and ideas. My goal is to present a concept ... and allow my viewers to draw their own inferences and conclusions. I believe in making work that is so personal that it becomes universal.”
Townsend is the author of seven books, including "Advanced Flameworking, Volume I," "Making & Marketing Better Work," "The Marketing Companion Workbook," "Focus on Flamework," and "Patriot Dreams" a contemplative volume in response to 9/11. He has also produced a series of videos, demonstrating the techniques that he developed.
He is a board member of The Arts Business Institute, a non-profit organization that assists artists in acquiring the skills to succeed in their careers. He speaks and teaches at seminars and workshops around the world on glass technique, marketing for artists, and living a fulfilling life.
Milon lives and works just outside a small village near Rochester, New York, with his wife Kiyoko and their son Timo.