Today we’re talking BBLs, BBGs Bounce Clubs, Baddies and so so much more today with New Orleans artist Booty Glass Girls artist Kyle Hubbs. Kyle is a self-taught stained glass maker who began his work with glass in 2014. After several years of experimenting with more traditional and geometric work, as a native of south Louisiana he looked no further than his own New Orleans for inspiration for his current and modern expression of glass. He credits the exuberance, attitude, style and self-confidence of young people in his local bounce clubs as the muses for his work.
Bounce is a style of music that originated in New Orlean's bars and local nightclub scene and block parties during the late 1980s and early 90s. Using a call-and-response style of flow inspired by the Mardi Gras chants that were common in New Orleans brass bands. It brought a new life to New Orleans’ own brand of Louisiana hip-hop and continues today to grow in popularity and be nationally recognized in current songs like Beyoncé’s “Get Me Bodied," Rihanna’s “Pour it Up" and Drake’s “Nice for What.”
There’s been a bit of controversy around Kyle because he's a male and coming into today, //many of us thought he was a female. //With that came assumptions and projected intentions and narratives around of his work. Then once listeners realized he was a man, really strong opinions about cultural crossover, exploitation and appropriation began to fill my DMs.
I wanted to give Kyle a platform to speak on all of it, and he knew what he was walking into. So Kyle, thank you for showing up. And for you the listener, I ask that you hold your judgement til you listen to my talk with Kyle in it’s entirety.
Duality in art is so important. Art that inspires conflict within us is important. Whether it's violent but also beautiful or full of both sorrow and joy. These are the conversation starters. right? And these conversations are often the ones that can spark growth.
The core mission of this podcast is about celebrating stained glass art, and my love for the work of Booty Glass Girls is unwavering. Despite all my questions, there's no question in my mind that the cross pollination of this contemporary culture and stained glass is still a smash hit. All right let’s get into it…
Join me as I crack it all wide open!
To see more of Kyle’s work, his instagram is @bootyglassgirls.
For the Patreon page, Kyle is gifting a print made on high quality cotton rag paper signed and numbered. It’s 20”x16” and they retail for $150. I’ll be doing a drawing for that 12 days after this episode is released.
Honorable mentions from this episode:
Glass favorites:
@glassworkpixie
@marquette_stained_glass
@pizzadonkey
Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:
Canfield Technologies Canfield sets the standard for the Stained Glass industry.
Glass Patterns Quarterly Patterns, inspiration and information since 1985 to glass hobbyists & professional artists.
Youghiogheny Glass Company Stained glass sheets and glass products for the art and stained glass industry.
Paul Wissmach Glass Co. Your Source of Colored Sheet Glass