While Tommy Figa is inspired by designs in nature, especially the ocean and its creatures, his creativity is also reenergized by his fellow award-winning peers. (Photo by Elisa Walker)

WARSAW — Art has no boundaries when it comes to creative expression and mediums to work with. Tommy Figa, 38, has worked as a chef and tattoo artist but nothing has been more fulfilling than becoming a borosilicate artist, otherwise known as a glassblowing artist. He shapes glass into whatever design he wants, which is inspired by all things in nature. It took a few years but Figa discovered a satisfying art form within his happy life.

Figa lived in Florida working as a chef in big time restaurants, before moving back to Warsaw after his mother’s death. He continued to cook, which led him to his wife, Mercedes, a local microbiologist. Figa only continued to grow and explore as a person.

“I wanted to pursue tattooing, which I did professionally for about five years,” commented Figa. “Then my wife got me a class in glassblowing as a gift. When I walked in, I was immediately hooked and I hadn’t even started yet. Since the class, I started creating and selling jewelry at the tattoo shop. It was selling well so I must’ve done something right.”

All of the creations start out as glass rods, which Figa then intricately morphs into different products. (Photo by Elisa Walker)

Figa then began his own business, Infinite Art, where he makes a wide variety of glass pieces including Christmas ornaments, bottle stoppers and memorial pieces that can hold a pet or loved one’s ashes. He adapts pieces to seasons, holidays and the people attracted to them. He attends shows at craft fairs, churches and schools around the area and different cities, while still selling in local shops and online.

“Everyday I push myself. This is a hobby and job all in one. If you can wake up, have that and you’re happy, that’s the American dream,” reflected Figa. “I just want to be happy. This was my real calling. Cooking is still my first passion but I do that for my wife every night, so I don’t miss it. Mercedes made all of this possible, just her supporting my art form and every art form known to man. It’s the best marriage possible. We’re happy and that’s huge.”

Naturally Figa is the type of person who has to constantly move, which is why glassblowing is perfect. It requires consistent movement and concentration. When working he must move in various directions with different tools. Everything must happen at once. If he stops moving in the flame, shape and thickness of the glass will become inconsistent and flawed. Like every art form Figa has learned through experimentation and classes, something that he continues to attend.

“I’ll take classes and pay $600 just to watch, but the knowledge is forever.” Figa expressed. “One of the biggest things in this industry is learning from someone who’s learned. You can teach yourself to an extent but if you want to make really cool stuff, you have to learn from a really cool person. I think it’s important to learn a skill from someone who already has it.”

Attitude is another factor that Figa works to keep in check since art reflects life. Along with his main passion, Figa enjoys surfing and wakeboarding on local lakes with his friends. No matter what, he always works to better himself and be as happy as he can be in everything he does.