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Icons by Holder

Bringing Vision to Life Through Glass

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Welcome to Icons by Holder!

At Icons by Holder, we transform ordinary glass into extraordinary works of art through the masterful technique of deep sandblasting. Under the artistic direction of Greg “The Glassman” Holder, our California-based studio has been creating breathtaking custom glass pieces for over two decades. From intricate wall art and personalized awards to stunning architectural features, each piece we create tells a unique story through the interplay of light, shadow, and meticulously carved glass.

Greg “The Glassman” Holder holding a large framed artwork depicting a colorful landscape, standing outdoors under a cloudy sky - Icons by Holder | Sandblasted Glass Art

Meet The Artist of Icons by Holder

Greg “The Glassman” Holder is more than just a glass artist – he’s a visionary who has dedicated over two decades to mastering the art of sandblasting. His journey has earned him recognition from celebrities and dignitaries alike, with commissioned works for icons such as Manny Pacquiao, Shaquille O’Neal, Harrison Ford, the Dalai Lama, and Mike Tyson. Greg’s unique approach combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques, as he sketches each design and transforms it into a hand-cut stencil before bringing it to life through his masterful sandblasting process. His commitment to creating one-of-a-kind pieces ensures that every client at Icons by Holder receives a truly unique work of art that can never be duplicated.

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Our Mission

We believe that glass art should do more than simply decorate a space – it should create lasting impressions and honor legacies in ways that transcend traditional mediums. Icons by Holder is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sandblasted glass art, crafting lifesize pieces that captivate and inspire.

Our commitment to innovation and excellence drives us to continuously explore new techniques and possibilities within our craft, ensuring that each piece we create contributes to our mission of revolutionizing how stories are told through monumental glass artworks.

Why Choose Icons by Holder

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A man, identified as Greg “The Glassman” Holder, stands outdoors near the ocean holding a framed glass artwork of a red football helmet with a white "U" logo - Icons by Holder | Sandblasted Glass Art

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A display area features a framed artwork of a red football helmet with a white "U" logo, surrounded by bottles of alcohol on a countertop, under dim lighting with blue and amber accents - Icons by Holder | Sandblasted Glass Art

Interior Decor

  • Interior and Exterior Glass Designs – At Icons by Holder, we provide custom interior and exterior glass designs for both residential and commercial spaces.
  • Residential Services – We specialize in creating custom glass artwork for doors, shower doors, and windows, enhancing the beauty and elegance of your home.
  • Commercial Services – For businesses, we offer storefront displays, windows, partitions, and conference room glass designs. Wherever glass is featured, we can bring your vision to life.

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We can create front-only designs on existing tempered glass. For a deeper, more immersive sandblasted effect, the glass must be raw and 1/2 inch thick before undergoing the tempering process. Please note, that we do not handle glass installation. All installation work is outsourced and completed by your selected contractor or one of our trusted partner contractors.

Pricing varies based on whether the glass is provided by the client or if we supply it. For design-only services on existing glass, since we cannot guarantee the original type or quality of the glass, Icons by Holder is not liable for any damages that may occur during the sandblasting process.

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Our Work at Icons by Holder

Icons by Holder
Gio’Lani Glass Collection
Unleash Your Alter Ego

Testimonials

I want to thank you so much for my shower door you made for me. It is so beautiful, etched with gorgeous palm trees and frangipani flowers. Everyday when I take a shower I am in awe of how gorgeous my shower is. It is also very sturdy with thick glass and hardware. I cannot thank you enough!

Susan L

I own quite a few of Greg's sculptured glass works. It's some of the most amazing work I've ever seen in my life, which is why I have several pieces. Greg has created pieces for me featuring superheroes I grew up with, like Iron Man, Captain America, and Spider-Man, as well as a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, signed by seven of them. Each piece is exquisite and one of a kind. With that being said, this man is going places because I've never seen anyone do reverse carving into glass like he does.

Larry S

I am writing to express my utmost appreciation for the exceptional work and dedication of Greg Holder, an artist I have had the pleasure of working with on several art projects. Over the years, Greg and I have collaborated on various sports pieces, including notable projects for the CFL and EA Sports. Each time, he has impressed me with his creativity, attention to detail, and professionalism. Greg's commitment to his craft is truly outstanding. His ability to capture the essence of sports and its athletes through his art is unparalleled. He has a unique talent for bringing energy and passion to life in his pieces, which makes his work resonate deeply with both collectors and fans alike.

Greg’s approach to every project is thoughtful and driven by a sincere desire to create something memorable. I am currently working with Greg on several other exciting sports-related projects, and I am continually amazed by the quality and creativity he brings to the table. Without hesitation, I would recommend Greg’s work to any athlete, collector, or organization looking for an artist who is not only immensely talented but also a pleasure to collaborate with. Greg Holder’s art is a testament to his skill, passion, and dedication, and I look forward to continuing to work with him on future projects.

Lucius F

Ryan Keely have had the privilege of working with Greg 'The Glassman' Holder, a true master of glass art. Greg’s attention to detail and dedication to his craft are evident in every piece he creates. I am particularly honored to own two of his most compelling works: portraits of Tupac Shakur and Eminem. Each piece is a testament to his artistic vision and technical skill, capturing the essence and charisma of these icons with a depth and vibrancy that brings them to life.

Greg’s artistry is both sophisticated and soul-stirring, transforming glass into a medium of profound expression. His ability to balance complexity with elegance makes each piece not only visually captivating but also deeply meaningful. The Tupac and Eminem portraits stand as centerpiece creations in my collection, drawing admiration from all who see them. Greg Holder is truly an artist of exceptional talent and integrity, and I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase his remarkable work.

Ryan K

No other artist in this world can capture the life and true essence of Greg's glass masterpieces. The combined colors and details of perfection make him a glass artist in a class all by himself.

Van D

FAQs

What makes your glass art unique?

Each piece we create at Icons by Holder is completely original and never duplicated. We use deep sandblasting techniques to achieve exceptional depth and detail in our glass artwork, creating pieces with stunning dimensional effects that capture light in unique ways.

How long does a custom project typically take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity and size of your project. During our initial consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed timeline that accounts for design, stencil creation, sandblasting, and any special finishing touches.

Do you work with clients outside of California?

Yes, we welcome commissions from clients nationwide and internationally. We have experience safely shipping our sandblasted glass art to locations around the world and can coordinate installation when needed.

What types of glass art can you create?

We create a wide range of pieces, including wall art, awards, windows, shower doors, vases, and architectural features. Our sandblasted glass art at Icons by Holder can be customized with various finishes, including LED lighting and custom coloring.

How do I start a custom glass art project?

Beginning your project is simple. Contact us for an initial consultation where we’ll discuss your vision, requirements, and timeline. We’ll guide you through our design process and provide all the information you need to get started.

How does our process work for creating an art piece?

Our process begins with the image provided by the client or, in some cases, a concept that we create based on the client’s vision. Greg starts by hand-cutting the design using a stencil blade, ensuring precision and attention to detail. Once the stencil is prepared, we take the piece to our workshop, where it undergoes sandblasting in a secure sandblasting booth. For safety, Greg wears a protective hazmat suit during this process. We use aluminum oxide sand, which contains silicon, to achieve the desired depth and detail in the final artwork. This meticulous process ensures that each piece is crafted with care and expertise.

How do you ship artwork, and how is it packaged to avoid breaking?

At Icons by Holder, we prioritize building strong relationships and ensuring the safe delivery of every piece of artwork. We exclusively use Navis Pack and Ship, a trusted company known for its exceptional service in handling and shipping glass artwork. Each piece is carefully packaged in a custom, padded, secure box, ensuring maximum protection during transit. Additionally, all artwork is fully insured for added peace of mind. We ship via FedEx Express, offering next-day delivery services upon request to meet your needs.

How much is shipping?

Shipping costs cannot be calculated at the time of artwork pricing. Once the artwork is completed and framed, we will weigh the piece and factor in your shipping address, the delivery time you prefer, and the available shipping options. Only then can we provide an accurate shipping cost based on these variables.

Does the company provide hanging or installation services for the artwork or partitions?

Unfortunately, due to our diverse clientele worldwide and for liability and licensing reasons, we do not offer hanging or installation services for artwork or partitions. However, for local and long-distance home or commercial installations, we are happy to coordinate with your preferred contractor. This collaboration ensures that the dimensions are accurately established and the artwork is delivered after the glass has been tempered to meet commercial requirements.

What methods of payment do we accept?

We accept a variety of payment methods for your convenience, including cash, Zelle, and all major credit cards.

Discover What Icons Holder Creates!

Your custom glass masterpiece starts here at Icons by Holder. See our latest creations on Instagram, explore behind-the-scenes videos of Greg’s sandblasting process on YouTube, or browse our gallery of completed pieces on Facebook. We’ll transform your ideas into stunning glass art that commands attention and sparks conversation.

Contact us now at 619-822-1579 to schedule your consultation with Greg Holder and bring your vision to life.

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