The man skillfully turned glass into an art product that thousands of people loved

April 13, 2022 19:35 GMT+7

Michael Tetteh, 44, is the few remaining professional glassblowers in Ghana. A man who is passionate about his job spends a lot of time in the day at work next to hot furnaces, temperatures up to nearly 1,500 degrees Celsius.

The man skillfully turned glass into an art product that thousands of people loved

Michael Tetteh left his bare hands showing blisters, resting them on wet newspaper that was evaporating from the overwhelming heat of the glass. He skillfully formed the desired shape.

From things like old window panes, TV screens or soft drinks bottles, Michael Tetteh has turned into many colorful vases. Some red vases have alternating black streaks, some are green or some are transparent

Michael Tetteh said: “Glass is my whole heart, it’s my whole heart. It’s like life, taking me on one journey to another.”

For materials Michael Tetteh often collects from scrap yards in the capital Accra. Michael Tetteh’s use of recycled materials is part of Ghana’s mission to reduce glass waste.

According to Michael Tetteh, much of Ghana’s glass waste ends up in landfills that dot the streets posing a potential danger to people.

“We don’t have a professional glass waste collection process. I’m afraid of the dangers, don’t want broken glass pieces to fall around. If it can be utilized, recycled materials can be completely brought back. money for us,” Michael Tetteh said.

The 44-year-old aspires to turn his tradition of glassmaking into a modern industry of the future.

Michael Tetteh often produces glassware at his workshop in Krobo, Odumase, the center of traditional Ghanaian glass.

Michael Tetteh discovered glassblowing in 2012, he spent several months in France and the Netherlands to learn the craft. After that, he returned to his hometown with the desire to continue to nurture this profession in Ghana. He aims to set up a shop in Odumase.

At the beginning, he faced many difficulties, including financial problems, but he was not discouraged. He taught himself more online and built kilns. Michael Tetteh is especially inspired and enhanced by watching Youtube videos of famous American glass artists like Dale Chihuly.

Up to now, his skills have been solid and he has begun to train young workers. The unique works of Michael Tetteh et al have appeared in many stores in Ghana, Ivory Coast, as well as in many European and American art galleries.

Hoang Dung (synopsis)