My man coming in strong with the logic
I am not paying hundreds of dollars for something that functions the same as a $50 one. I don't care where it's from if there's just a couple mm (if that), and a watermark/signature separating the 2 lol.
It may "feel" or "look" nicer (and fuckin hell it better for all that money) but if I wanted some art I'd buy a goddamn painting lol
I'd still probably buy a bong =D. But I'd know I'm buying it for art.
The thing is, you can get great American glass from instagram blowers direct. After following people like @mrbonsai420 you can get great glass relatively cheaply. So I also just wouldn't pay sticker price for American Glass. I don't even like doing it for Chinese glass but I mean, they have to eat I guess so I almost feel bad haggling another couple dollars away.
@VaPeD&CoNfUsEd has some GREAT glass and sometimes does some great sales on here. I'd check out blowers direct.
Otherwise, you're just paying for the brand/name recognition.
https://www.instagram.com/aglowglass/?hl=en
I'm obsessed with this style glass. I'll get one of his for art. But my pieces that are "art" will sit in my glass case and rarely come out I bet. My Mobius sits in the closet. Rarely used now.