Moulding memories: Eastend glassblower creates stunning pieces

Posted on November 6, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

Shaynee Modien

Shaunavon Standard Local Journalism Initiative

In the small town of Eastend, a talented glassblower is making a name for himself by creating stunning works of art that not only showcase his skill, but also help people honour and remember their loved ones.

Patrick Vrolyk is a master lampworker with almost 30 years of experience.

Having been involved in the art of glassmaking in one form or another since 1997, Patrick’s introduction to the craft came about when a friend in Victoria, British Columbia, introduced him to the unique process.

“I watched the process daily for hours, for months,” Patrick recalled. “By the time I actually tried glassblowing myself, I had developed an affinity and the knowledge to be successful. After 28 years of melting glass, it has become almost second nature to me. The glass is an extension of my hands. I am often told that I ‘make it look easy’.”

Patrick’s craft, technically known as lampworking, involves starting with cold glass in tube or rod form, melting it with a tabletop torch, shaping and blowing it into the desired form, and then using an electric kiln to cool it down overnight. This process results in extremely strong glass that can withstand extreme temperature changes.

As Patrick notes, “You could take a cup out of the freezer and pour boiling water straight into it, and it would be well within its parameters.”

This type of glass art is becoming increasingly popular, with online viewers drawn to its almost mesmerizing appeal.

“There’s something elemental about fire that draws us humans in,” Patrick theorized. “Perhaps it’s a throwback to our countless years of staring into a fire, looking for answers to life and the world. Like moths, we are drawn to the flame.” He added with a chuckle, “It’s an exciting, fast-paced art medium to work with and watch – way better than watching paint dry.”

Patrick also joked that maybe people are drawn to the possibility that work on a piece could end at any time in dramatic failure, much like people might watch a stock car race hoping to see a crash.

“There’s always that exciting element to my work as well,” he laughed.

Despite the challenges, Patrick still finds his work enjoyable and rewarding after almost three decades in the business.

“I would say the most interesting and enjoyable aspect of my work is creating something beautiful from my raw materials – clear glass tubing, silver and gold, colored glass, and my own efforts,” he stated. “It’s tricky work, and a lot can go wrong, especially with complex pieces. Sometimes a single complex piece can take many hours, even multiple days, and it’s one mistake or crack away from being ruined.”

Patrick has seen many changes in both his life and the industry over the past 28 years. One of the most significant changes was moving from his home in British Columbia to the Southwest corner of Saskatchewan.

After buying a house in Eastend and converting one area into a studio/gallery, Patrick says the move has proven beneficial on many fronts. Although initially drawn to Eastend because of its lower cost of living, he soon discovered that the Southwest had a lot more to offer. He found Eastend to be a scenic, quiet, and welcoming place to live, to go along with a thriving artist movement and artists’ council.

Among Patrick’s favourite pieces to create are tumblers and coffee cups, often in his signature colours, green and blue. However, his true passion is creating non-traditional glassware, particularly memorial glass, which holds ashes from a loved one. These containers, such as glass pendants, can be made to hold the cremation ashes of pets or humans.

One of Patrick’s most meaningful projects was creating a sculpture of a tree, where the cremation ashes would be incorporated inside. The piece was inspired by the person, who had experienced significant growth and learned new ways in their final year of life. Patrick was honoured to work on this project, saying that he “became a better person” through the process.

Another significant encounter was when an Eastend resident brought her husband’s ashes to Patrick’s open house. They sat together, listening to the husband’s favourite music, and Patrick learned about his life, creating a small pendant for the widow to take home. The experience proved to be deeply meaningful for both parties.

In addition to smaller items, Patrick can also create large orbs or marbles with intricate designs and ashes incorporated into them. Whether it’s being part of a tradition he loves or carrying on the memory of others’ loved ones, Patrick Vrolyk can help create what you need.

He can be contacted through Facebook or Instagram, or by visiting his website at patrickvrolyk.ca. You can also reach him via email at pat@patrickvrolyk.ca or by calling (250) 490-6643.