It took a dream to show Joseph Hobbs his true artistic direction. The Pensacola artist was already experienced glassblower when he dreamt one night five years ago of sculpting glass hands. That nighttime vision became a turning point in his career.

Today Joseph's fluid sculptures of hands and other human forms are the focus of his work as an artist.

Joseph began his art education at the Rhode Island School of Design. In 1994, while attending the California College of Arts and Crafts, he sought a new medium for his designs and turned to glass. He built his career as a glassblower, creating commissioned art and custom home fixtures.

When the dream came, Joseph began sculpting human figures. He concentrated no creating human hands, and soon became known for his beautiful designs.

"Blowing glass was too easy," Joseph claims. "I started sculpting glass to challenge myself."

In 2004 Joseph was accepted into a juried course at the Pilchuck Glass School outside of Seattle. Founded by Dale Chihuly and his benefactors, the school attracts the world's most talented glass artists as teachers and students. Joseph refined his skills and drew inspiration from his teachers and peers at the school. In 2005 he returned and with a team of artists, helped create more than 150 pieces.

"It was an energizing experience, being in the hub of it (glassblowing)," Joseph says his experiences at Pilchuck, "I was a little fish in a big sea, as opposed to being a big fish in a little sea.".

Now a big fish in the region, Joseph is director of glassblowing at the Belmont Arts and Cultural Center in downtown Pensacola. He teaches courses and maintains a studio called Hobbs Glasswork. Joseph also instructs weekly at Seaside's "hot shop," a working glassblowing studio outside Fusion Art Glass, an art glass shop where many of his items are displayed.

The outdoor studio attracts many admirers. Last summer Joseph's work even caught the attention of Lance Armstrong and Sheryl Crow. After purchasing a piece of his work, the couple later commissioned Joseph to create a piece for a charitable auction. Now that's a dream come true.