Mark Leputa of Tucson, near Reid Park on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Mark Leputa and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
When I first began my glass career I remember going to the Pittsburgh Glass Center and seeing some of my artist heroes blowing glass and teaching. That was 18 years ago. I recall how amazing it was to watch these highly skilled glassmakers and thought ‘I want to be that good. I want to teach here one day.’ Next week I will begin teaching a two week workshop at the Pittsburgh Glass Center alongside my business partner and best friend Steve Hagan. It will be a major milestone in my career. I am extremely excited and proud of this opportunity.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mark Leputa. I have been an artist working primarily in blown and carved glass for the past 20 years. I have exhibited my work all over the US and in Europe. Alongside my best friend Steve Hagan we own High Priority Studio in Tucson, Arizona. I am also involved with the Sonoran Glass School – a non-profit school focused on education through glass art.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I come from a blue collar working class family. If it is worth doing, it is worth doing right. Seeing the results of your labor is always worth the effort.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I do not think giving up in this career will ever happen for me. I love the material and the process far too much. With that said being a full time artist is not for the faint of heart. It is very difficult to find financial success. You must define success in other ways besides monetary gains. Setting goals for yourself and putting in the effort to reach them affords you the confidence to be too stubborn to give up.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
UFOs

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I am happiest when I am able to work in waves of high artistic output, followed by long breaks from working. I like to intensely focus on creating sculptures, pouring my heart, soul, blood and sweat into my projects. Often working 12-14 hour days. I love the deep dive into creativity and find I can work intensely like this for a few weeks, before needing to walk away for a stint. Often spending these breaks camping and running in the desert mountains. This recharge sparks new ideas and creativity. Afterwards I am chomping at the bit to get back into the studio with this rejuvenated outlook.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://markleputa.com
• Instagram: @markleputaglass

Image Credits
Artist photo by Melanie T Long

All photos of the artwork taken by myself