About Phillip John Lejeune

Phillip John Lejeune

I am proud to be a second generation glass sculptor learning it from master scientific/artistic glass blower and father, John Paul LeJeune. Some of my earliest memories were watching in fascination with father's ability to create extremely complex apparatus for research and development in many facets of the scientific field. His strict attention to detail, innovation and uncompromising demand for perfection set him apart from the main stream that earned him the status as one of the best top ten glassblowers in the United States. These demanding qualities would be fundamental when his decision to be one of the few pioneers to create borosilicate art in the early 1960's. This would be the driving force of my own budding interest to follow his footsteps.

During this time I was exposed to many techniques and methods by doing pre-assembly piece work for my father and observing how to complete many of his creations. Like most glass workers, I had to do a lot of grunt work and endure many cuts and burns to fully appreciate the scope and complexities of high quality unique glass sculpting. I spent the next 20 years honing my talent to the point that I received recognition from the master that I was "...not bad". It was his way of saying that I was proficient to be considered the status of a journeyman glass worker.

It wasn't until our move in 1985 to Needles, CA to leave the rat race of Orange County that started the long journey of establishing my own line of designs. Like my father, most of my designs were nature inspired. However, I started to experiment in designs that filled a niche market such as the Eagle, Globe and Anchor Marine emblem. This design was a break through having it accepted by the Commandant of the Marine Corps at the Pentagon for special gifts to their guests and dignitaries. I was honored to have them presented to President George W. Bush, Donald Rumsfeld, Ross Perot, Michael Dell and many other high ranking officials.

I continue to expand my knowledge and experience by exploring bead work, hot glass art, laser engraving, "lightning" plasma art to name a few. I take great pride in my work continuing the legacy my father left me. Glass is one medium that you never seem to run out of new ideas and techniques. Glass has made quantum leaps in the last 20 year providing endless applications and I hope to exploit as many of them as I can.