Bill at home in Montana

Aspen Hot Glass is a home based business. Bill Grout lives in the heart of the beautiful Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana with his wife Rae (who also does glass work) and his daughter Hannah. Bill has been making glass beads since 1993, and started Aspen Hot Glass in 2001.

          Although growing up in the Seattle area (well known now for it’s glassblowing community), it was not until after leaving the corporate world behind and moving to Montana that I began torching glass. It was on a trip back to Seattle in 1993 that I happened upon Isis Ray, who was selling her handmade beads from a booth in the Public Market. Seeing her beads opened a door, which drew me into the world of glassblowing. She had a very brief description on a small card describing how they were made, and that was the seed for it all. Being a good fire sign, (read pyro), I was immediately drawn to the idea of playing with fire, and perhaps even earning some money in the process. Originally selling at Art Fairs, galleries, bead stores and small gift shops, I currently sells my work primarily through the Internet.

          I don't consider myself an Artist in the modern sense, but rather an Artisan in the Old World sense where “the art of glassblowing” would refer more to skill and technique. Pulling and twisting glass is a magical and technically challenging skill, which I have been known for and enjoy very much. The ribbon cane has become a decorative element in much of my work. Through the process of creating literally thousands of small beads, I continue to enjoy the challenge of glasswork whether simple or complex in design, to be the right size, shape, and have that sense of love in it’s creation.

          In contemplating my place in the world, I often times reflect on the relevance of my work and my lifestyle. I am after all in the business of selling a handmade item that is a pure luxury. Nobody requires my beads or marbles to survive, but perhaps it is fair to say there are those whose life is enriched in a significant way by my work. I know there are those whose face lights up with a smile when they see and hold these creations of fire and earth. That is my reward and my inspiration to continue spreading love and harmony, one piece at a time.

          The current Aspen Hot Glass line includes a wide range of small beads sold to bead stores, bead collectors, and bead jewelry designers.  Special thanks and tribute go to the following people for their inspiration in my early work:

Patricia Frantz for her work with dichroic beads. 
Isis Ray for her dedication to the small bead. 
Michael Barley for his incredible variety of bicones.
Larry Scott for his whimsical and non traditional beads.
Sage and Tom Holland for the warmth and soul they place in their work.
Brian Kirkvliet for his integration of techniques.
There are many others that have, and continue to inspire and push the limits of lampworking.