Today we’d like to introduce you to Dick Ditore.
Dick, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always been involved in creative things, starting with working with my Professional Photographer father, in community theater and always wanting to hand make things. After a long stint in electrical contracting, and lighting other people’s art, I ended up with shoulder surgery. While recuperating I took classes at UCSD’s Craft Center. I tried glass blowing, glass fusing, torch work, ceramics, metalwork and jewelry. I fell in love with working with glass, and the fusing aspect allowed me to start my next journey in life. I started it as a hobby, while still doing electrical work, but my glass was very well received and I made the plunge to go full time.
After that, it was taking more classes. My father always said that in art, learn the science first, and then explore the creativity. I traveled to Mesa Az, to take week-long classes where a teacher recommended I apply to Pilchuck Glass School north of Seattle. It is the premier glass school founded by Dale Chihuly. I applied and was accepted in 2004 to study with Klaus Moje who was to fusing what Chihuly is to blown glass. I furthered my education by attending the next two years, with one being on a scholarship. I then transitioned to being on staff, and for the past 6 years have run the cold shop studio in the summer.
Cold Working specializes in carving, polishing, blasting and adorning glass. Along the way, I have been fortunate in receiving numerous commissions, awards and exhibitions. I was able to make work and display with the Dead Sea Scrolls when they were on display at the Natural History Museum, won a Dominic Labino Memorial Award from the Toledo Museum, and was a National Niche finalist. I am currently represented by multiple galleries, and my work has been published in numerous books.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
While there are always obstacles in starting any new business, let alone one in art, it has been very rewarding. Having already been self-employed like my father, I knew the choices-“Why work 8 hours for someone else, when I can work 16 hours for myself”. That being said, when you do something you love it is less like work.
I was fortunate in having some business background as I think that most artists struggle with this. 2008 was bad as it was for almost everyone, but art took a big hit. Things have definitely been picking up and I have been fortunate to sell my work and continue commissions.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a one man company making handmade glass vessels and sculptures. My basic technique is kilnforming and specializing in cold working. Kilnworking is using a kiln similar to a ceramist where I melt and shape glass. Cold working is embellishing the glass by carving, blasting, engraving and polishing. While my work covers many techniques, colors and styles I am always amazed at how people comment that they just “knew” that a piece was mine.
Part of a successful business is not just sales, but becoming known for quality and a uniqueness not seen everywhere, and I feel that I am reaching that. One thing that I never do is get complacent or settle to just do the easy stuff or always repeat my work. I enjoy pushing the edge, exploring new techniques and experimenting.
What were you like growing up?
I was probably a little hard to live with, as I was never still. I got bored quickly in school, so daydreaming and acting out were the norm. Theater helped me express that more in a more suitable way. I have always played guitar and acted in the theater so creativity was constantly presenting itself.
Working with my father in photography was another way, and we were able to exhibit our work together before he passed away my senior year. All of this gave me quite an independent streak but tempered with knowing how to dig in and get things done when needed. The arts and being in nature were always my passions and my work still shows that influence.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dickditore.com
- Phone: 619-933-3207
- Email: dick@dickditore.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dickditore
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