Thom,Introduction
There is A LOT of hard work and dedication that goes into becoming a scientific glassblower. Thom for example, spend five years with the University of Minn. Glass Technology Lab honing his glass art creating technique during which time he became an accomplished scientific glassblower. In reality, it is not unusual for a typical glassblower to spend over 10 years working on become an accomplished glassblower before you have enough skills to call yourself a "scientific glassblower". It truly is a rare distinction of Lille Glassblowers, and should be duly noted of Thom enormous effort. Fortunately for Thom, his father was a perfect mentor for him, since he is a Master Glassblower. Thom learned at an early age that to be successfully at his art, you have fun and be very creative.
The Interview
Waiting for the actual interview, my mind wondered what kind of man would be walking in the door. I observed his art and had spoken with his family members to establish his stance as an artist – one who approached modern subjects with a modern technique and clear sense of humor. What bounded in the door was a six foot, frosted blond, muscular cord of energy with a facial expression that defined description. He was all surface intensity and seriousness believe by a permanently lurking smirk, at time fully betrayed broad grin and knowing eyes. After and introduction, Thom threw his legs up on the desk and made it clear without saying a word that here was a comfortable, offbeat, self confident individual.
Growing up
Growing up the son of a glass blower around the many craftsmen at the old Underground Atlanta, Thom Lille spend even his earliest years watching other creative and soon becoming a "maker" himself. Lille's glassblowers occupied a place in the original Underground Atlanta and every Saturday, 5 year old Thom spent the day making his rounds – first to see the Leatherman, then to see the T-shirt painters, sometimes just watching his dad blow pieces for their own place. People around Thom always spontaneously brought forth concrete proof of their own artistic energy and age eight, Thom began to do the same. His father decided he ought to know what WORK meant, so from eight years old Thom labored three hours at the studio every morning. Four years later, the results were salable pieces, and Thom had not even reached high school yet. After the original Underground closed, Don Lillie opened a shop at the Omini but focused his business on scientific work. Yet, 1986 saw the opening of Lillie's Glass Blowers at the Galleria which coincided with Thom's return. This turn of events led to the company full circle back to a broader, more creative path. In this revitalized business, Thom was working with this father, this time as equal with professional freedoms he had never possessed before. "It gave me the opportunity to just let loose and express myself."