Fire — an element as destructive as it is constructive.
Jeffrey J. Schmitt, also known as “Smitty,” said he tries to remove some of fire’s negative stigma as he focuses on glassmaking, an art with a “very unique take on fire.”
Smitty owns Aurora Borealis Glassworks, the only glassmaking and glassblowing shop in Albuquerque. Smitty has been practicing glassmaking off and on since 1979.
Temperatures of over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit are required to keep the glass molten and allow it to be worked into shapes. Sonia Johnson, a student who takes lessons at the shop, said the art is a very difficult process.
“Glassmaking is more challenging than any other arts I’ve practiced,” Johnson said. “Many times it is not forgiving and at first when you start, you pay for your mistakes as your pieces in progress get destroyed. However, the challenges that arise in the art are what keep glassmaking interesting.”
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PHOTO STORY: World Cup watch party heats up during elimination game
July 22On Wednesday, July 15, the UNM Student Union Building atrium transformed from the quiet and empty space it becomes during the summer break into an energetic and tense environment as fans of all ages, on the edge of their seats, tuned in for the FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and England. UNM Student Activities Center has reserved the atrium for gamedays throughout the summer, offering free watch parties with light refreshments and cold beverages at each game. The room had fans cheering for both teams, with Argentina fans enlivening the SUB after Lautaro Martínez scored their last-minute goal to take the match 2-1 and punch their ticket to the Final on Sunday. Leila Chapa is the photo editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06
PHOTO STORY: Local food trucks bring culinary variety to the community
June 17More variety is the key for food when people go to an event, or maybe they’re just looking for a quick and authentic bite to eat. Food trucks are the answer this summer as people are looking to recharge for the fall semester and for wider options for quick eats. For students and people around UNM, there are a number of options to fit your taste; for Mexican cuisine there’s Takoroto, for Indian cuisine there’s ABQ Desi Bites and for street food there’s Tikka Spice.
PHOTO STORY: Summertime brings new faces and good vibes to UNM
June 9It’s the start of the next phase for the University Of New Mexico's Central Campus in June as spring is over and the summer months give time for the trees and scenery to recharge for the upcoming edition of fall. Another main key for the summer season is that they allow the new students the opportunity to see the beauty of Central Campus, not being busy or crowded, and just enjoy the environment that is UNM. Incoming students can get their first introductions at features such as the Student Union Building and the Duck Pond. It also provides students the chance to learn where their next potential class may take place. A positive in regards to the campus being emptier is that it allows construction crews a better chance to get things done and fixed before the next semester. Even though campus is quiet during the season, there remains plenty of work to do to keep the campus clean before more students return in August. Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at photo@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
