Josh Raiffe
Brooklyn’s Visionary Glass Artist
Glass’s beauty lies in its visual appeal and profound symbolic meaning. It represents a delicate balance between sturdiness and transparency, strength and fragility. Whether seen in a shimmering chandelier or a simple container catching sunlight, glass serves as a reminder of the art of transformation and the elegance in simplicity.
Josh Raiffe, a Brooklyn-based glass artist, is renowned for his innovative creations that blur the lines between art and fashion. His journey began with a family deeply rooted in art and design. Encouraged by the women in his family, particularly his mother, an artist herself, Josh was nurtured in an environment where creativity thrived.
His childhood was filled with “art days,” where surfaces were covered with paper, and he and his siblings explored various artistic mediums. His grandmother, a famous teddy bear designer, instilled in him the importance of quality and craftsmanship, a value he carries into his work today.
Josh often designs his pieces during the creative process itself. While he may sometimes have a solid design in mind, which he sketches out in multiple styles, he often lets curiosity guide him. He experiments, folds glass in unexpected ways, or chops it up to see the resulting patterns. His designs can be influenced by his state of mind, his experiences, or simply his pursuit of beauty.
Art, design, and fashion intersect and influence each other uniquely. For Josh, art expresses the soul, emotion, and mind, while design’s value lies in its quality. Fashion, as he sees it, is a subset of art, defined by its performative aspect when displayed on a body. It becomes a collaboration between the creator and the wearer, with the latter playing a vital role in how the piece is perceived.
Josh has no formal background in fashion. Instead, the fashion world called to him, and he embraced it with open arms. He is candid about his dislike for the rampant celebrity worship in the industry, emphasizing the importance of judging people on their character rather than their social status, wealth, or reputation.
Glassblowing, an art form steeped in ancient traditions and modern techniques, has been central to Josh’s work. He adapts tools to suit his practice, like his custom giant tungsten rod, which helps him create seamless designs. This innovation exemplifies his dedication to pushing boundaries in his craft. Josh honed his skills at the Tyler School of Art, an immersive four-year program where he spent countless hours perfecting his technique.
This rigorous training ignited his passion and seriousness for his craft, setting him on a path of relentless creativity. His time at Pilchuck Glass School further broadened his skills, albeit in a less structured environment.
Among his most memorable collaborations was one with fashion designer Kate Barton. Their creative exchange involved back-and-forth revisions, resulting in designs that seamlessly blended their artistic visions. Another standout project was with artist Evan Vogel, using UV-reactive glass to create a glowing, otherworldly piece. His collaboration with Viya Jewellery elevated his work to new heights by incorporating diamonds and gold, transforming his glass bags into exquisite pieces of wearable art.
Though he no longer teaches, Josh reflects fondly on his teaching days, which connected him with people who later became clients. If he could give advice to aspiring artists, it would be to focus on creating work that resonates personally rather than seeking validation from others. He emphasizes being one’s harshest critic and staying true to one’s vision.
Glass in fashion offers vast potential for growth. While Josh primarily focuses on glass bags, he envisions its application in diverse ways. However, he acknowledges the challenges of working with such a fragile material. Social media has been instrumental in promoting his work, allowing him to reach audiences independently. He advises artists to be fearless and embrace the platform despite its demands.
Josh dreams of creating timeless pieces that will endure for centuries, much like discovering treasures in an attic that tell stories of the past. He aspires to leave a legacy akin to brands like Tiffany, whose works remain iconic through generations.
Currently, Josh handles every aspect of his business, from designing and blowing glass to managing social media and logistics. While he finds it manageable, he is ready to grow and delegate tasks. His ultimate goal is to establish his own glassblowing studio, tailored to his unique needs, enabling him to expand his creative horizons.
For Josh Raiffe, the journey of shaping glass is as much about self-expression as it is about pushing the boundaries of what art, design, and fashion can achieve together. His work continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the enduring beauty and transformative power of glass.Maryam Aldoub’s journey is an inspiring narrative of balance, empowerment, and a deep commitment to values, proving that fashion can indeed be modest, elegant, and influential all at once.
