October 9, 2025 International Trending News Stories

The Making of the Master: John Moran’s Journey To Becoming a Glassblowing Legend

The art of glassblowing has been around for thousands of years. It is a craft that requires both creative vision and physical skills to create something beautiful from molten glass, but only a few have achieved the level of mastery that John Moran has attained. Moran is an American glass and mixed-media artist living and working in Belgium. His exceptional glass-blown sculptures reflecting current events, politics, and society are on one side, but the way his life has slowly shaped and transformed in the hands of time is a tale to be told. 

Originally from Philadelphia, Moran was born into a working-class family to a nurse mother and a psychiatrist father. Moran has always had a knack for the arts despite his background, but this flair has developed into a passion after a major blow. Moran’s father passed away when he was 10 years old, though it is a terrible thing to experience as  a child, it ultimately spurred him on to take chances and pursue his dreams.

Just Like Him. Photo: Marble Media Official, Netflix, David Leyes

American Idols. Photo: Delaware Contemporary

American Idols. Photo: Delaware ContemporaryAmerican Idols.

American Idols. Photo: Delaware Contemporary

American Idols. Photo: Delaware Contemporary

American Idols. Photo: Delaware Contemporary

American Idols. Photo: Delaware Contemporary

The journey was not easy, and it took him many years of hard work and dedication to become a legend in the glass-blowing world. During all these years, Moran worked hard to improve his skills by doing side jobs and working in studios all over the US. He also spent a year and a half teaching English in China, which was an eye-opening experience that exposed him to various cultures and taught him a lot. However, becoming an artist in residenceat WheatonArts was a defining moment in his life, giving him the opportunity to focus solely on his work. 

At WheatonArts, Moran was given the chance to develop his skills and refine his craft through practice, focus, and dedicated time in the studio. During this period, he created one of  his most iconic  works of art,the installation of the American Presidents. Titled: American Idols. While creating this work, he developed unique and impressive techniques that helped him achieve mastery, making him a recognized namein the glass-making world. 

Soon after completing his MFA and perfecting his techniques for making large, figurative  sculptures out of glass and mixed media, Moran relocated to Belgium in 2013 and established Gent Glas, a public glass studio with a focus on the local artist community. 

Slowly transforming from an unknown artist to a glassblowing legend, Moran has come far in his journey. His remarkable works of art have been featured in numerous publications and exhibitions. Moreover, he recently made a major splash as he

became the winner of Netflix’s Blown Away Season 3, which earned him not only worldwide success but also a residency at the famous Corning Museum of Art. 

Visit his instagram @johnsleepymoran , or his website, Backdoorart, to learn more about Moran and his work. 

Related Posts

How to Make a Difference as a Social Media Influencer and Public Speaker

June 2, 2023

June 2, 2023

Technology significantly impacts almost every aspect of modern life, including productivity, sociability, transportation, and availability of food and healthcare. Due...

“Yoga for Flexibility”, Adriana Lee’s First Book Has Been a Success

December 2, 2022

December 2, 2022

Following your passion and working hard to achieve your goals brings a purpose to your life. And to be willing...

Meet Jeremy Jenson, Content Creator, Podcast Host & Business Influencer Behind the Largest Privately Held Executive Search Firm in Houston

May 20, 2022

May 20, 2022

Life can be full of challenges. And life in the fast lane can tire people out. Usually, an exceptional individual...

Meghan Laurie’s Wanderlust Has Her Discovering the Untapped Wonders of the World

June 23, 2022

June 23, 2022

Traveling is an exhilarating experience. The moment you step out and feel the unfamiliar breeze of a foreign land caress...

How Seyi and Abisola Shof, a US-Based Nigerian Couple, Are Setting An Example For Struggling Couples

January 22, 2023

January 22, 2023

Marriages are not always rainbows and butterflies and there are going to be good and bad days. Many people find...

5 Successful Pro Tips Shared By Jacqueline Pappillion For Entrepreneurs

June 7, 2022

June 7, 2022

Jacqueline Pappillion is a fashion model, actress, and influencer. She is the founder of her own brand IAMJACQUELINEPAPPILLION and a...

The Amazing R&B Artist Allura Wants Everyone to Focus On Creating Positive Energies

October 4, 2022

October 4, 2022

Living in a world full of hate, pessimism, and negativity is unbearably burdensome. One tends to forget how to be...

Founder of Essentique, Mandana Navi, Shares Why Self-Care Is a Lot More than Beauty

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

If your compassion, love, and care are not for your own self, you are bound to remain unsatisfied and incomplete....

4 Helpful Hacks to Increase the Sales for Your Emerging Catering Business

June 30, 2022

June 30, 2022

Catering is a competitive market industry, and dealing with ongoing rivalry is a tough challenge, especially for emerging catering businesses....

Going Against The Societal Norms – How Brittany O’Connor Became a Dance Icon

February 20, 2024

February 20, 2024

Life’s victories come in different forms, and true success lies in overcoming adversity, finding one’s purpose, and achieving it despite...

Fitness Influencer Shelby Robins Explains the Influence of Accomplishments on Your Mental and Physical Health

June 20, 2023

June 20, 2023

Do you fully comprehend the factors that drive you? Identifying the root of your motivations will enable you to discern...

The Science of Metaphysics – Dr. Amberleigh Carter Is Transforming Lives with Her Foundational Holistic Knowledge

April 27, 2023

April 27, 2023

When it comes to alternative health practices, most of us are unaware of the science behind these alternative methods, so...

How to Be a Self-Sovereign Woman and a Mother in a Challenging World by Professional Artist Danielle Zirkelbach

March 26, 2023

March 26, 2023

In today’s challenging world, it is tough to be free of the constraints of social media, societal pressure, and traditions....

How Can Investing in Yourself Help You Succeed?

December 16, 2021

December 16, 2021

You are the most valuable investment you can make in your life. Many people would mention their children or their...

Midnight Food Coma Is a Mind-Bending YouTube Food Show by David Tracy That Is Bringing People Together

November 18, 2022

November 18, 2022

David Tracy is not only an award-winning marketing strategist – he is also a visionary and a diplomat with a...