He holds a BA degree in Art with an emphasis in ceramics, glass, and sculpture from California State University, Chico. In high school he worked in ceramics, later becoming a technician in the ceramic studio at Moorpark College. Sillars grew up in the Los Angeles suburbs. Each artist, however, enjoys the creative freedom to develop their own unique style.īruce Sillars is a prolific designer considered by other glass blowers to be a true master of glass technique. Drawn from nature, most Orient & Flume designs echo a common theme. The work of Orient & Flume can be found in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum, the Smithsonian Museum, the Chicago Art Institute, the Chrysler Museum, the Corning Glass Museum and fine stores and galleries throughout the world.Īrtists at the Orient & Flume Studio work individually or in collaboration to design and produce this beautiful glass. In time, this led to their current creations of intricate, three-dimensional design's encased in clear glass.īy 1973 the carriage house proved to be too small for a rapidly growing business and was relocated to 2161 Park Avenue. In l972, the house was purchased by Douglas Boyd and was transformed into an art glass studio.Įarly work of the studio was directed toward recreating the silver-luster of iridescent glass of such turn-of-the-century artists as Tiffany, Steuben, and Loetz. Located between Orient Street and Flume Street, this site was destined to play an important role in the story Orient & Flume. The quaint atmosphere soon created one of the most distinctive valley towns in California.Ībout 1893, one characteristic home with a carriage house was built in the historic Oriental section of town. By the late 1800's, Chico had grown into a charming Victorian community. In the early 1800's, Chico was an important center for gold mining, railroad construction and ranching. Nationally acclaimed for its excellence in design since 1972, the glass of Orient & Flume utilizes both traditional and contemporary motifs and can be found in the permanent collections of the most prestigious museums in the world.

These signed pieces capture nature's inspiration in both iridescent and crystal-clear glass. Pictured is Bruce Sillars a master blower/designer for Orient & Flume, and their first employee. Orient & Flume produces fine art glass for the collector.

Orient and flume artists