Located in San Francisco, Nikolas Weinstein Studios is an environment where design merges with innovative craftsmanship to create glassworks of elegance and integrity. Ranging in scale from small sculptures to installations weighing several tons, the glasswork pursues an interest in natural forms and their expression through new methods and technologies. Nikolas Weinstein was born in New York City in 1968 into a family involved in the visual arts. His aesthetic derives from a longstanding interest in the natural world. The influence of organic forms in his work dates to a young age, established during internships at The American Museum of Natural History and The Scripps Institution of Oceanography. After graduating college with a degree in comparative literature, he moved to San Francisco, where he briefly worked as a graphic designer's assistant before founding his studio. Working primarily in glass, he initially designed and made small sculptures for design boutiques. More recently, his work concentrates on larger commissioned installations. Michael Hall studied Art History and Ceramics at Boston College. He learned to blow glass in his home state of Vermont. With over ten years experience, he is the gaffer (lead glassblower) here at the studio. His digital dextgerity is also eagerly applied to furniture making and guitar playing. He is a trained farrier. Matt Szosz studied at the Rhode Island School of Design, receiving a BFA and a BID in industrial design as well as an MFA in glass. In addition to working on special projects for the studio, he makes art in glass, wood and metal. Josh Smith studies glass at the California College of the Arts and has a bouncing baby boy. Dave Johnson trained to be an engineer but has made his living in everything but, including movie special effects, juggling, modelmaking, writing and editing, computer programming, dog training, and electronic design. When he's not figuring out how to fabricate, mount, and light difficult glass installations, he can be found watching the glassblowers. Evan Kolker was born and raised in Baltimore Maryland where he learned the craft of glassblowing. In 2001 he moved to the bay area to attend CCAC where he received a BFA in glass. Evan continues to pursue his own sculptural multi-media work while still focusing on the crafting of glass. And surfing. Emily Vassos has a degree in art history and a degree in industrial design from the Rhode Island School of Design. Before joining the studio she was a project coordinator for a firm that developed and designed visitor centers for the National Park Service as well as history museums and cultural centers.