Ronnie Hughes’s career took shape when he went on a hike one day in 1980. He had been making glass creations inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy when he stumbled upon a new subject matter. Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, he came upon a field of hundreds of breathtaking Pink Lady Slipper orchids. The sight inspired him to change his work completely. From that point forward, Ronnie has sculpted lampworked glass wildflowers. In this method, glass is heated in 3,000-degree flames of propane and pure oxygen, then shaped, pulled, and formed. Ronnie has developed his wildflower patterns using freeform techniques to imbue movement, detail, and delicacy into each of his original sculptures. Trademarks of his work are the accuracy of the flower structures and his distinctive organic style.
Hughes Glass Studio is in Laurel Springs near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Peach Bottom Mountain, the highest peak in Alleghany County, can be seen from the studio window where all Hughes glass is crafted. Visitors can take in the views and see Ronnie craft his creation over an open flame. Sculptures are for sale, and Ronnie is available for consultation on what other pieces could be made and shipped.
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