This artist uniquely crafts glass art inspired by his Fil-Am identity
Photo from Baso Glass/Instagram
Pablo Picasso once said that art is the lie that makes us realize truth but for Fil-Am artist Trenton Quiocho, his cultural heritage is the truth that brings life to his glass art.
Tacoma’s art scene is filled with diverse artists but thanks to Quiocho, who has been puffing his glass mastery with his Fil-Am roots, the city is gaining more and more Filipino-American imprints.
Quiocho isn’t new to art. He’s been at it for 18 years now since he first tried glassblowing in high school. “I’ve been an artist and creative for as long as I can remember,” says Quiocho.
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Cultural fusion in the form of glass art by Fil-Am artist
What sets Quiocho’s art apart from other Tacoma-based artists is his intentional reference of his Filipino-American heritage in his artworks. Even if his art is evolving, it is “steadfastly rooted in my exploration of my Filipino American identity,” he shares in an interview with KNKX.
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Currently working as a production manager at Hilltop Artists in Tacoma, Quiocho has worked as a glassblower, teaching artists for organizations like Glassbaby, Chihuly Boathouse, Museum of Glass, and Hilltop Artists, as well as a hat shop technician.
In addition, he also owns Baso Glass, with glass works available at ArtX Contemporary, Postmark Center for the Arts gift shop, Museum of Glass Store, and Sandra Ainsley Gallery.
Influenced and mentored by glass artists Tony Sorgenfrei and Gabe Feenan, this Fil-Am artist has a few ventures up his sleeve. But for now, Quiocho plans to focus on creating new masterpieces while looking forward to teaching arts at Pilchuck Glass School next year.
