Ayotte Paperweights | L.H. Selman Glass
Globally acclaimed for his unbelievably lifelike interpretations of small creatures and birds in their natural habitats, glass artisan Rick Ayotte has spent a lifetime studying and observing nature to create little worlds encased in glass.
Beginnings | Rick Ayotte
Born in New Hampshire, Ayotte officially began his career at the age of 18 as a scientific glass blower. Over time, he became extraordinarily skilled and eventually began making and selling more artistic lampwork figures. Eventually, Ayotte had the opportunity to meet Paul Stankard, considered the father of the American glass paperweight, who spearheaded the emerging glass-blowing movement. Stankard helped encourage Ayotte to encase his realistic natural glass figurines into glass spheres, and Ayotte’s lifelong enthrallment with glassblowing and paperweights was born.
Ayotte spent a large portion of his time studying the biology and habitats of his subjects, and eventually become an expert in bird anatomy. He often speaks of his desire to share his knowledge of nature with those who do not have the opportunity to see it firsthand.
As Ayotte’s craft evolved, his tastes did as well. Fond of 19th century French paperweights, he continued to perfect the realistic flowers and small creatures in his own works.
Today, Ayotte’s paperweight exhibitions tour the world and his creations can be found in prestigious collections all over the globe, including The White House, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Corning Museum of Glass, and the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada.
Contact Us
If you have questions regarding Ayotte’s paperweights or are simply interested in learning more about The Glass Gallery, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to sharing our enthusiasm about this globally recognized specialty craft. Call us at 314.416.4200 or send an email [email protected] .
