Meet Zachary Cincotta | Glassmaker and Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zachary Cincotta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zachary, why did you pursue a creative career?
I originally wanted to be a writer. I really enjoy fiction and the ability to create your own worlds. I started going to college through a dual enrollment program when I was sixteen. My older brother had done some videography for the glass program at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) and it stuck in my head when it came to apply for classes. Glass is a medium that has a way of pulling you in. It’s hot, you have to work fast, and it’s addicting. Working with glass, making objects out of a molten mass, circled back to what I wanted to achieve with writing, and I realized I could create a visual narrative instead of storytelling. After graduating with an Associate in Fine Art (AFA) I was able to get a job with a glass studio in Redding, PA and that was the tipping point. It’s been a very rewarding journey so far.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is a blend of many different influences. I was always fascinated by the baroque period in art: these religious figures that have elongated features. I took some of those elements and have tried mixing it with my own experiences and some more modern motifs. Fundamentally, glassblowing is a challenging field to work in. Making anything look realistic is an endeavor, and it’s been really fun to dive deeper into different techniques. There’s a lot of history and tradition, and a lot to prove to your peers before they’re willing to accept you as a craftsman. It’s been a challenging road, but I think the industry is changing for the better. The biggest lessons I’ve learned have all been related to treating people with kindness. It’s easy to get caught up in the swing of things, but sometimes it’s good to pause and take a moment. My friend Toni has a little sign in her shop that says “take a breath, you’re here” and I think it’s fitting.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Leones’ Creamery– if you want some amazing ice cream, look no further. Spearfish has several really great food joints, from killer pizza at Dough Trader to stellar sushi at Fujisan. The brewery scene is neat too: Spearfish Brewing, Crow Peak Brewing and Sawyer Brewing are all within bicycle range, and a ride down the city bike path takes you close to all of them. The scenery is breathtaking, and there are many different hikes you’ll want to find time for throughout the hills, from shorter hikes up spearfish canyon or steeper climbs to the top of Crow Peak. It really just depends on what you’re looking for.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been very fortunate to have had the support of my family, my partner, Hannah, and some really great friends. My parents have been incredibly supportive and have enthusiastically encouraged me to pursue this medium. My friend, Toni Gerlach, runs a glass studio out in Deadwood, SD. She’s helped me out time and time again, and I owe her so much for her constant flexibility and patience. Lastly, Fabiano Zanchi, my good friend out in Italy (we met at Toni’s studio in 2019) has embraced me with openness, a desire to share his knowledge, and neverending kindness. He makes sensational glass, and it’s been amazing being able to learn from him.

Website: https://www.drinkglassco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drink.glassware/