Chico artist fashions glass for the masses

Thirty years of experience leads to beautiful artwork

By Ashley Gunther

Many probably don't consider steel blow pipes and temperatures over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit a "good time," but glass artist Richard Satava has been doing it in Chico for the past 30 years.

Satava was first introduced to the art of blowing glass in high school, and continued through college, eventually choosing to study at Chico State.

"They had a good art program and it was a small town. It seemed like a good fit," Satava said.

He continued his glassblowing by opening Satava Art Glass Studio in downtown Chico in 1977 and has been working here ever since.

The art of glassblowing is different from other mediums in many ways. Satava says the best part is that the results are spontaneous and you can see them right there.

"I did ceramics before, but it took so long to see the results. With glass, the next day you're looking at it. You can see what you've done and immediately learn from it," Satava said.

"Art is more of a lifestyle and something you enjoy."

-- Richard Satava

The general process of glassblowing begins with molten glass heated in a 2100 degree Fahrenheit crucible (or furnace). The glass is then gathered on the end of a steel blow pipe, through which air is blown to give it shape. Satava says it is important to work in a controlled environment, keeping the temperature and gravity consistent.

Many people consider Chico to be an "art town," while many others have little knowledge of all that is here. Satava says this could be because although there are a lot of artists in the town, many do not sell their work here.

Satava Art Glass Studio sends an estimated 90% of their work out of Chico to destinations worldwide. Satava knew from the beginning that his business would starve if he just stayed local.

"Art is more of a lifestyle and something you enjoy. Some people don't have any interest in it, and you can't force a taste on someone," Satava said about the popularity of local art.

Satava has been working in his downtown studio on Wall Street in Chico for 30 years. He says that a lot is still very similar in the downtown core to what it was like when he first got here."It hasn't changed a whole lot, stores and businesses change, but the bars seem to last!"