WHERE THERE’S FIRE THERE’S...
glass
For anyone who is daunted by the idea of walking into a head shop, Tha Bong Shop is a great option. Focused on building relationships with customers and playing a positive role in the community, the new store at 2921 Cambie Street, in the heart of Vancouver has already seen a warm welcome from neighbouring businesses, and from local residents. Staff are happy to make recommendations based on price point and desired functionality, but more importantly, are always willing to take time to teach these clients how to use the equipment and answer any questions they may have, especially first time medical users. Tha Bong Shop opened its first store in 2012 in East Vancouver, near Boundary Road. Joel Fleming, owner and operator of Tha Bong Shop says, “With the new location in Cambie Village, we hope to reach more toward the downtown core and our customers won’t have to drive so far.” A perfect stop for any glass enthusiast, Tha Bong Shop’s stock extends past the typical smoking accessories. They also carry items like pendants and marbles. Most of the pieces from local artists start at $15 and can go for up to $5,000 depending on the complexity and rarity of the piece. Tha Bong Shop is committed to maintaining a unique glass collection and supporting local artists. Chris Kauhane of Kahuna Glass is a Vancouver based artist whose work is sold across North America, but he enjoys keeping it local. “It’s awesome to be able to drop off pieces in the shop. You get to high five the employees and check out their collection,” Chris says; “Tha Bong Shop sells one of a kind art pieces, not just factory made products.” Chris got started blowing glass in 2008 after being inspired by an artist on Vancouver Island. While living in Hawaii, he learned how to make sharks, whales, turtles, and other sea creatures which now make up his signature style. Other parts of the collection come from artists across Canada and the US, these often being well known artists whose pieces are in demand. One of Joel’s favorite artists is Gnosy Glass of California, who specializes in a piece called a ‘mini milker’. His pieces are highly patterned and very intricate. Many of the pendants and other glasswork exhibit a technique called murrine (also called millefleur, or millie for short) in which rods of coloured glass are melted together in a long tube so that a pattern, such as a flower or a face, is seen when the glass is cut in a cross section. These tubes are then heated and stretched so the image becomes smaller, which leads to a high amount of detail on a small surface. The final pieces are made into polished coins, small rods, or inset within larger glassworks. Once settled into the Cambie Village, Tha Bong Shop hopes to create more gallery space, and are looking to get approval for a glass studio in the shop. Joel explained, “The hope would be that local artists would come and work in the shop, showing the techniques they use. Customers could buy a piece that they saw being made.” “What’s important is that we give back to the community.” Joel says. The shop prioritizes buying pieces from local glass artists and organizing the store such that the local art is showcased. They accept non-perishable items for the food bank in return for a discount off your purchase. “The discount is based on what you bring.”
The hope would be that local artists would come and work in the shop, showing the techniques they use.
Joel Flemming