Matthew Cummings embodies the intersection of creativity, craftsmanship, and passion within the realms of brewing and glass sculpture. His journey, punctuated by artistic exploration and entrepreneurial spirit, offers insights into how artistic endeavors can intertwine with culinary experiences. With an academic background featuring both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of fine arts in glass sculpture, Cummings launched Pretentious Glass Co. in 2012 in the culturally vibrant downtown of Knoxville, Tennessee. However, it was not just his artistry that shaped his career; it was also the camaraderie he found within craft beer.
Cummings embarked on his brewing adventure with a clear motivation—financial constraints as a budding artist. “I was a broke artist,” he conveyed in a phone interview, reflecting on how his passion for beer drove him to homebrew in the same year he established his glass company. His quest for affordability led him to explore craft beers, particularly aiming for the experience and quality of Zombie Dust, an acclaimed pale ale from Indiana’s 3 Floyds Brewing, all while on a budget. This blends his artistic endeavor with his increasing love for craft beer, firmly establishing a theme of innovative exploration.
In 2016, Cummings took a crucial step beyond homebrewing by opening a beer bar adjacent to Pretentious Glass. The bar, eventually named Pretentious Beer Co., began brewing its own beer a year later—a venture that reflects his commitment to both crafting exceptional glassware and delivering unique beer experiences. By situating the brewery within a glass studio, Cummings stimulates a distinctive experience where guests can witness the processes of both brewing and glass-blowing side by side.
Cummings emphasizes that his establishment stands out in a crowded craft beverage landscape. “We are the only place in the world where people can drink beer made in-house, out of glasses made in-house and watch it all being made,” he states. This boasts not merely a business model, but a holistic experience that marries the art of brewing with glass making, shaping a narrative that invites customers to participate in two forms of artistry.
The design of glassware is crucial in highlighting the subtleties of the craft beer experience. While much has been extensively documented about how glass shapes affect wine tasting, Cummings identified a gap regarding beer. Inspired by the rich traditional glassware of Belgium, where specific glasses are dedicated to distinct beer types, Cummings sought to create glass designs that would enhance the beers brewed at Pretentious Beer Co. His rigorous testing of Belgian beer glasses equipped him with the knowledge necessary to craft glasses that accentuate the flavors of his beers, creating an intimate dialogue between beverage and vessel.
A Diverse Portfolio of Artistry
Pretentious Glass Co. presents a wide range of products, featuring 30 flagship designs and an eclectic assortment of unique, one-off pieces. From hand-blown decanters and Christmas ornaments to various decorative items, Cummings offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a creative experience. Moreover, those wishing to delve deeper can book workshops to craft their own glass.
When discussing his favorite creations, Cummings showcases his passion and pride. He describes the Foamy Boi glass with enthusiasm, underlining the excitement of execution and the satisfaction of its diamond texture. He also conveys a sense of loyalty and pride toward the Pilsner Glass, which, though it may appear more traditional, possesses qualities that make it a standout within his collection—a testament to his artistic philosophy that even classic designs can deliver innovative experiences.
Matthew Cummings represents a remarkable blend of artistry and culinary passion, continually redefined through his dual enterprises. By creating a space where craft beer flows and glass is blown, he cultivates a unique community focused on creative expression. In a world where craft-minded entrepreneurs often have to choose between passion projects, Cummings proves that with determination and innovation, one can forge a distinctive path that celebrates both the art of brewing and glass-making, collectively designed to enhance customer experiences through sensation and community. Each glass, each beer, emerges as a testament to the interplay of creativity across multiple dimensions.