Tiny Mike's Old-School Inside-Out Glass!
We’ve just received a fresh drop from Tiny Mike, and everyone at Tako HQ has been ogling these pieces since we unpacked them! Tiny Mike specializes in what is known as the ‘Inside-Out’ technique. These pipes blend multiple glassblowing techniques together with complicated twist: The color work is applies inside a glass tube.
Originally rooted in the counterculture of the 1960s and 1970s, inside-out glass blowing emerged as skilled glass blowers sought to elevate smoking accessories into works of art. Today, it remains a celebrated method within the glassblowing community, blending tradition with creativity.
Unlike traditional glass blowing techniques where designs are applied to the surface, the inside-out method requires the artist to work in reverse. They carefully layer frit, fume, stringers, and more inside the interior of the tube. All of these techniques are present and visible in Tiny Mike’s works.
Once the colored glass is applied to the inside, the artist uses a combination of heat and tools to manipulate the material. They might twist, rake, or swirl the molten colors to create patterns like spirals, stripes, or abstract forms. Precision and heat management is key. The glassblower must maintain a delicate balance, constantly moving the piece to ensure even heating. This hands-on approach is what gives old-school inside-out pipes their organic, one-of-a-kind feel, as well what sets talented and experienced artists above the crowd.
The bright vibrant colors achievable through the Inside Out technique, are only half of the story though. It is the clear optically transparent outer glass that seals the deal. Once cooled, the outer layer now acts like a magnifying glass, showcasing the vibrant designs trapped within. Light passes through the glass, illuminating the colors and creating a stunning effect that shifts with the angle of view. This interplay of light and color is a hallmark of the technique, making each pipe a dynamic piece of art.
Despite its beauty, inside-out glass blowing comes with significant challenges. The technique demands equal parts patience and dexterity, as working inside a confined tube leaves little room for error. Mistakes cannot be easily corrected once the glass cools, and the risk of cracking or distortion looms throughout the process. Yet, it’s precisely this difficulty that makes the craft so rewarding. A well-executed inside-out pipe is a testament to the artist’s mastery, blending form, function, and creativity into a single seemingly impossible object. We think Tiny Mike has nailed the execution on these pieces, which is why we can't stop gushing over them as we prepare them to go live on the site!
The old-school method is deeply tied to the DIY ethos of its origins. Earlier glassblowers operated in small workshops or garages, using rudimentary tools and often self-taught skills, as there were no formal schools or mass-produced materials. Artists sourced their glass and developed their techniques through trial and error, often sharing their accumulated knowledge with other independent artists.
The grassroots spirit is still present and strong within the community, where many pipe makers take pride in keeping the craft intimate and non-corporate. Many highly skilled glassblowers are still choosing to work out of garages, opting to hone their craft without external artistic or market demands.
Today, old-school style inside-out pipe glass blowing enjoys a renaissance among collectors and enthusiasts, with artists like Tiny Mike simultaneously helping to preserve a vintage style, while still striving to push boundaries and innovate new techniques. We're stoked to be able to bring you classic designs like these, directly from the artists themselves, and we're very happy to present this drop. We think you'll love all of these pipes, inside and out.
“I never expected this. I just started blowing glass for fun because I was mesmerized by it. It's truly amazing what this niche industry has become, and I’m so glad to be a part of it.” - Tiny Mike
