About the Artist

Aloha and welcome,

My name is Jim Graper, I specialize in hand made glass creations.

I  was born in Hawaii in 1969,  grew up in Kailua, Oahu, and have lived all over the Islands since then. I have settled on the Big Island and live on the slopes of Kilauea, an active volcano.

From a young age I've been exposed to a variety of art. While attending College at  the University of Hawaii, I saw molten glass being blown for the first time.

During the period between 1998 to 2005 I lived and worked at the Hui No'eau Visual arts center on Maui. I was the caretaker, handyman, gardner and security for the property.

About 2003 I started working at HOT ISLAND GLASS on the weekends. This is a glass studio in Makawao, Maui. Chris Lowry and Chris Richards, the owners & glass blowers,  are good friends of mine. They have been a major influence in my glass work. Mahalo!

Since arriving on the Big Island in 2005, I have worked steadily putting my glass studio together. I've rebuilt my furnace with guidence from Hugh Jenkins. Hugh has been designing glass furnaces since the 70's. We put a recouperator on it. Thanks to Hugh my fuel cost has been reduced. I've also built my glory hole, and annealing ovens.

I am fascinated with glass and what can be created with it. I find myself experimenting with colors and shapes daily.

Please look around on the site and if you have any questions or would like to purchase a piece of glass, feel free to contact me. I would love to hear from you.

Aloha,

Jim Graper

P.O. Box 1109

Kurtistown Hi. 96760

(808)269-1713