About Pete Lanigan

Pete Lanigan was born in Council, Idaho, on April 30th, 1975. Influenced by his mother, Artist Linda Lanigan, Pete took an interest in art early in life. At age eleven, he began spending summers with his uncle, Master Glassblower John Barber of Laguna Beach, California. At age 18, Pete entered into an apprenticeship with Barber. There, he gathered knowledge and gained experience and was considered a journeyman Glass Blower by age 21. Pete had the unique opportunity to continue a rich tradition of European-style apprenticeship, which his uncle began over 30 years before in the Bavarian forest under the Great Master Glass Blower, Erwin Eistch.

Plans to continue glass studies in Europe were interrupted when Pete fell in love with his wife, Kari. He

Click here to see an mpeg movie of Pete in action. (17.9 mb)

decided to return with her to Idaho and open his own studio. There, he began developing his own style, while collaborating with Kari to create unusual works in cameo-etched glass.

Pete has maintained unique qualities in his work over the years. His highly evolved sense of color, combined with unusual textures and traditional shapes, delivers a complex overall effect that challenges the viewer to look twice at what could initially be mistaken for something other than glass.
Pete’s desire to explore the outermost limits of his craft has led him into experimenting with large landscape works, often incorporating lighting and water features. These dramatic, assembled sculptures are intended to provide inspiration through the senses by becoming an integral part of their environment. He also enjoys creative variations of classical stem ware, with a particular affinity for the martini glass (a must have for collectors of his work).

Pete has followed a calling in search of the inspiration one can only find under the Northern Lights. He now resides with his family in Fairbanks, Alaska, as Director and Resident Artist of Glass Art Center of the Arctic, a nonprofit organization that he established with his wife, Kari. There, he is developing a variety of educational programs for disadvantaged youth, teaching workshops to adults and continuing his personal search for inspiration through art and nature.

Some examples of Pete's work. Click to enlarge.