Born in Boston MA, Powers Hommel currently lives in Seattle WA where he works, teaches, and creates handblown glass. Powers took his first glassblowing class in 2012 when he was just 17. Over the next few years studying glass for his undergraduate degree, Powers would receive his BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2018. Shortly after receiving his diploma he moved to Seattle where he began working with some of the biggest names in the game.
Powers’ sculptural work exists in the medium-size scale, he combines color, pattern and texture to create his pieces. His sculptural process has two major components. The first is in the hot shop- blowing and forming the molten material. The second is in the cold shop- grinding, polishing, adding visual and physical texture while revealing layers of color beneath.
Growing up alongside the Edgecomb Potters family, Powers gained an understanding and appreciation for beauty, craft, and practicality. While passionate about his sculptural work, Powers has an affinity for drinkware. Growing up with the Whale Tail mug being full of OJ when he was a little kid to it now being full of coffee in the studio.
“There has always been something special about holding a hand made cup; it is immediately beautiful, very practical, and intimate because you’re holding it in your hands and bringing it to your lips.”
Powers’ cups are highly utilized yet remain a work of art. It is an extension of what Richard and Christine Hilton (his uncle and aunt) were striving for and continue to create and master today.