Brian McCauley, aka gasp, graduated from Ithaca College in 1996 with a BS in Photography. In 1998, he discovered glass flameworking. Inspired by the autonomy and creativity of the pipe making scene he spent the next 5 years engrossed in glass. Part of the 2nd wave of pipemakers, his style pushed the boundaries of shaping and patterning, incorporating the influence of San Francisco's urban culture and street art. Recognizing the emerging movement, gasp organized the first ever gallery showing of glass pipes in 2003, setting the stage for what was to come. Later that year, gasp relocated to Portland, OR, where he began to explore more classic forms.
A break from glass between 2010-2015 allowed gasp to explore other interests including farming, meditation, travel and cooperatives. He returned to glass inspired to explore new styles.
gasp uses a variety of techniques to elicit an emotional response from the viewer. From subtle layering of gold and silver fume, to heavily saturated colored glass and vibrant transparents, the color and pattern create a body of work that maximizes light play within the vessels.