Spotted Glass Gourd
Blown Glass, 2010s

This handblown piece began as a date idea — a Groupon glassblowing experience meant to impress someone I had a big, honest crush on. She was stunning to me, and when we started dating, it felt like a dream I didn’t want to wake from. But dreams shift, and the relationship ended, leaving me with a broken heart and a non-refundable booking.

My sister, ever the encourager, insisted I go anyway. She came as my last-minute +1. Together, with help from the studio team, I shaped this little spotted gourd. It’s a physical reminder that heartbreak can still create something beautiful — maybe a little lopsided, maybe not exactly what was planned, but beautiful nonetheless.

Carlos Bayne
📍 Seattle, WA
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