Glassblower Shows Work at Oct. 1 Showcase

What do small glass flowers and laboratory test tubes have in common? Both require a great deal of skill to create. And both can be formed by the hands of master glassblower Rick Fearne.

Mr. Fearne, of Precision Glassblowing, has been honing his craft for nearly 37 years and has a wide breadth of experience. His abilities range from producing handmade glass figurines to repairing expensive glass equipment, to creating custom laboratory pieces for universities, the mining industry and the life sciences industry.

Precision Glassblowing operates from InNOVAcorp Technology Innovation Centre. Mr. Fearne joined the company nearly a year ago as Precision's master glassblower.

Although the glass sculptures he makes for the retail sector are impressive works of art, Mr. Fearne makes light of the artistic abilities involved.

"After making so many pieces like these ones, they become routine," said Mr. Fearne, gesturing at a table covered with beautiful glass ornaments. "The challenge is in making the more complex custom pieces, such as those used in life sciences."

Currently, about half of Precision's business comes from handmade glass ornaments, while the other half from custom scientific glassblowing. Mr. Fearne is hopeful that the launch of the Life Sciences Industry Partnership in June will raise the profile of the industry in the province, and in turn increase the scientific end of his business. Other than Precision, the nearest commercial glassblowing shop is in Montreal.

"Life sciences is a growing industry in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Fearne. "As the industry grows, so will we."

You can see Precision creations up close at InNOVAcorp Innovation Showcase 98, happening Oct. 1 from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. To receive an invitation to the show, call 1-888-354-5855.