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Todd Nelson
Master Craftsman |
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Todd finds a new home and rekindles an old passion at Hazel's Blown Glass Factory.
A Craftsman In The Making
The year was 1970, and Todd Nelson faced a common college student crisis: "Man, how can I raise my grades and get off academic probation?" he said, chuckling. "So I heard you could take this course in clay, and you’d get at least a ‘B’ just by showing up." Something must have clicked. Nelson, who has always dabbled in high-temperature (2,400-degree) stoneware, spent years juggling his commercial pottery studio, while working as a mechanic and in the construction industry.
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The Silver Dollar City Years
He joined Silver Dollar City in 1980, left after two years and then came back in 1987. Today, Master Craftsman Nelson has earned a reputation for designing. After 17 years creating high-quality, unique stoneware creations including his signature slip-decorated line at Hillcreek Pottery, Todd embarked on a new challenge in 2005 when he journeyed just up the street to Hazel’s Blown Glass Factory.
"Glassware has always been a passion for me," Todd explains. "I really felt the need to come back and do this again." When asked what he finds most intriguing about this medium, Todd answers, "There’s a short creative window of opportunity with glass, and you have to be aware of it on its terms in order to form a piece. It’s immediate gratification."
Interesting Extras
He’s hesitant to call himself a "master" and believes that craftsmanship is a continual exploration. "I see things while I’m working; it leads me in new directions," he said. His thoughts are forward thinking. "I know that long after I’m gone, there will be all of these pieces of me that will live on."
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Helpful Handouts:
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Silver Dollar City Map
Print out a copy of this full color map to help you plan your visit to Silver Dollar City ahead of time!
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