Topic: Can you help find a US flameworker / glass sculptor named Burke?

[Frank]

I presume Mr Burke was probably a flameworker who did public sessions in various places in the US in the 1970's. If anyone can provide more information it would be much appreciated.

Two of his creations courtesy the Glass Zoo

[krsilber]

Maybe Ellie Burke, "intergalactically famous glass artist"?
http://www.ellieburke.com/index.htm

There's also a glassblower, Ed Burke, but I don't think that's the guy.

[Frank]

I think it is a craftsman rather than an artist, she is too late anyway. He/She would have set up at Malls or in stores making the figures on the spot. Maybe with a permanent pitch or otherwise working at home.

[aa]

Definitely not Ed Burke, but I wouldn't dismiss the possibility of Ellie Burke as posted above by Kristi. According to the cv http://www.ellieburke.com/Biography.htm she has been working since the seventies. I'm not sure what you mean by the craftsman vs artist bit, but it seems she is a lampworker who falls into both categories....

[Frank]

I have written to her.

[Frank]

But it bounced as her mailbox is full! Perhaps someone in US can phone her, number on website is Milwaukee: 414-329-8199 and ask her to look in here.

[deco.queen]

Frank the swan IS signed, it is so faint I missed it the last time.  (I've sent you a larger picture)
I found another email address for her and sent a copy of the pieces, if I don't hear from that I'll give her a call.

Janice

[deco.queen]

Update, I talked to Ellie.  I've emailed a picture of the 2 to her and she's going to see if they are hers.  I'll let you know.

[Carolyn Preston]

I presume Mr Burke was probably a flameworker who did public sessions in various places in the US in the 1970's. If anyone can provide more information it would be much appreciated.

Would this be someone who blew glass rods over a butane torch type thing. We used to have a stand come to our annual exhibition (the Calgary Stampede) that would make little bits of glass, baskets etc. I think it is what was called lampwork, but I'm not certain.

I now have a thistle done in this manner.

Carolyn

[Frank]

Yes but the term flamework is more usual in US and increasingly elsewhere. Originally it was done with a oil lamp. But as it is an American concerned I use the American term.