Pneuma: In Stoic Philosophy, PNEUMA (Greek: πνεῦμα) is the breath of life, a mixture of the elements air (in motion) and fire (as warmth). Originating among Greek medical writers who located human vitality in the breath, pneuma for the Stoics is the active, generative principle that organizes both the individual and the cosmos. In its highest form, the pneuma constitutes the human soul (psychê), which is a fragment of the pneuma that is the soul of God. As a force that structures matter, it exists even in inanimate objects.
Pneuma Glass
The name “Pneuma” comes from Greek philosophy, meaning breath of life or spirit. At Pneuma Glass, we infuse this essence into every piece—glassware and sculptures inspired by the vibrant spirit of the Pacific Northwest and the world around us. Each handcrafted creation carries its own character, embodying the soul of intuitive design. Our glass speaks in its own voice, and at Pneuma, we aim to bring that voice to life. We flow with its natural rhythm to craft art that resonates and endures. Through our work, our energy and creativity merge with the glass, creating timeless pieces that are truly one of a kind, transcending the maker and living beyond us
The Artist
Johnathon Tardif’s journey with glass began in the Black Forest of Germany when he was just 11 years old. There, he first encountered the captivating art of glassblowing. Watching molten glass transform into intricate forms sparked a lasting passion in him, particularly after the opportunity to assist in crafting a vase—an experience that would ignite a lifelong fascination with the medium.
Johnathon’s artistic journey led him to Maui, where his creative and free spirit drove him to immerse himself in glassblowing through classes at the Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center, which allowed him the opportunity to apprentice at Makai Glass. Eager to deepen his craft, he returned to Oregon and continued to refine his skills at studios around the world. In the fall of 2018, he attended the Penland School of Craft, where his time was both formative and transformative. Through apprenticeships with renowned glass masters, he further expanded his expertise and began to shape his distinctive voice within the medium.
In 2020, Johnathon founded Pneuma Glass, inspired by the Greek word for “breath of life.” The name reflects his belief in the life-giving, transformative power of art and glass, serving as a platform to showcase his handcrafted glass creations.
His work seamlessly blends realism with abstraction, drawing inspiration from nature and his global travels. From the tranquil landscapes of Oregon to the vibrant textures and colors he’s encountered worldwide, Johnathon’s art captures the diversity of the natural world, while embracing the fluidity and limitless potential of glass. Each piece tells a story of personal growth, creative expression, and a deep connection to both his surroundings and the transformative power of his medium.
His latest body of work explores the tension between fragility and strength through a unique technique: shattering the surface of molten glass with water, and then shaping it to reveal contrasting textures and inner layers. Some pieces feature a second color layer beneath the cracked exterior, creating a striking interplay between the interior and surface. This approach highlights the unpredictability of the process and mirrors the resilience and beauty found in brokenness—a theme central to Johnathon’s evolving artistic voice.
Contact & Inquiries
If you have questions about wholesale, custom commissions, installations, or anything else you're curious about—or if you just want to share how my work looks in your space—I’d love to hear from you! Reach out at contact@pneumaglass.com, or through our socials @pneumaglass
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