Master glassmaker and glassblower Ray Gannon, along with his daughter Malaika, form the duo behind The Crystal Forge, leading designers and producers of limited-edition glass curiosities. Not only does Malaika have an eye for design, but she is Ray’s apprentice. Together, they came up with The Crystal Forge’s latest creation, the Shot Glass, which has proved to be a winner with shooters.
As you might have guessed, the Shot Glass is a pun-based piece, which features a bullet travelling through a shot glass (a small glass designed to hold or measure spirits or liquor). The clever design has made its way to pride of place on many shooters’ bars around Australia. “It’s the perfect gift for the pun-loving firearm enthusiast,” said Malaika.
Ray spent his younger years travelling the world learning and practising the art of glassmaking before setting up shop in England in 1976. Then in 1989, Ray came to Australia to take up the position of department head at The University of Queensland’s Glass Centre. After his retirement from the university, Ray began teaching Malaika the art of glassmaking and The Crystal Forge was born.
Malaika is energetic and brings a fresh approach to using glass. “My vision is a mixture of fun and function; that’s how we created the Shot Glass,” she said.
Take a look at the Shot Glass and other creations by Ray and Malaika on The Crystal Forge website, on Facebook or Instagram.