Crystal Sculpture

Last year, effects of the pandemic in combination with a series of other unfortunate life factors had me down in a deeply negative state of wellbeing. I feel like most people can relate to this at least to some extent. Scrolling through youtube videos like a zombie i came across a video of an art piece that immediately sparked something in my soul. Finding my art medium (cold glass/crystal sculpting) has rejuvenated my soul and given me an excitement i have not felt in years. I have always been a creative person, but could never pin down an outlet for my creativity. This was the epiphanal moment that changed my life. From that moment on, i have spent all of my free time researching, learning, and honing my skills so that i may be a conduit to bring beautiful energy into the world.

This stunning art medium entails an intricate process involving a sequence of precise design, laminating, cutting, grinding/sculpting, polishing, then more laminating, cutting, grinding/sculpting, polishing until your final product emerges. Some art pieces take a month to complete, but the final result (and seeing the reactions of people with whom i share the art) is so rewarding. I have invested all i have into my passion so that i can open new doors through which my creativity can flourish.

My grandparents moved to the Okanagan Valley in Canada from Switzerland after world war 2. They lived a humble life for a few years, but when he found the art of photography it changed his life forever. Winning numerous national and international prizes, he went on to become one of the best known photographers in Canadian history and was the President of the Canadian Photographers society for many years. They built a beautiful European style house on the lake around which i have my fondest (and earliest) childhood memories. He used the residence not only as his home, but as his professional studio space. My grandparents have recently passed away and i hope to follow my grandfather's artistic legacy. My dream is to purchase the home and use it as my own studio/gallery space for years to come; sharing my passion and art with anyone and everyone who is interested. If i do not find the funds through my art and my upcoming kickstarter campaign the home is likely to be sold to the highest bidder, torn down and replaced with a lifeless modern box (the fate of the rest of the older neighbouring homes on the street). I honestly didn't want to include this part of my story as i feel out of integrity after witnessing so many sob-stories on reality TV show, but it is real and it is my story.

Since it has brought me such joy, i hope to share and bring the wonder and magic to every person who needs a lift of spirits. My sculptures and wearable art pieces are all handmade from scratch and are often conceived in my dreams. This is my passion and i hope to continue my work to bring light and beauty into the world, touching as many lives as i can. I use scissors extensively throughout the meticulous design process as well as during the intricate lamination phase of fabrication.

I commend and appreciate Vocal for allowing me to enter this challenge and hope i can continue sharing my story and the joy my art pieces spark within the souls of others.

If you read my whole story, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your time and positive energy.

-Eric Niehe: Founder/Creator, Alüf Crystal Art