Born in Albuquerque but working out of Pojoaque, New Mexico, Ira Lujan (Taos/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo) was first introduced to glassblowing in Taos, where he apprenticed with glass artist Tony Jojola (Isleta Pueblo). Working with Jojola opened Lujan’s eyes to combining Pueblo themes and subject matter with the ancient art of glassblowing. To create his work, Luhan, who also studied under Preston Singletary (Tlingit) at the Pilchuck Glass School, uses the ancient techniques passed down from Italian glass blowers. Today, Lujan is known for glass chandeliers, Pueblo pottery-inspired vessels, and totem poles, all influenced by and responding to everyday themes in contemporary Native America. He notes that teaching and collaborating with other Native glassblowers has inspired his own practice, and his integration of Pueblo culture into the art of blown glass “reflects a visual language that I have connected to.”

ilujan.artspan.com