My current works are glass sculptures, which I make using glass kiln casting processes and sometimes lamp-worked glass and other materials. I began working with glass in 2021 after my wonderful husband built a studio in the garden for me during lockdown. I am thoroughly enjoying learning how to use glass and it is the expressive medium I have been searching for.
My lovely friend Ruth passed away unexpectedly in 2018. She was a brilliant maker of glass beads and jewellery and I am very honoured to have been given her kiln and materials by her kind husband and son. I hope that Ruth would be happy with what I am doing and I am extremely grateful for the gift she has given me. You are always in my thoughts Ruth ❤.
When making glass pieces I use model making techniques that combine materials like found objects, clay, wax, paper and glue. I use the materials on their own or in combination. I then cast the model in layers of plaster and either burn out or melt the contents to make the empty mould. Glass is then cast into the mould in my kiln, which can reach temperatures of around 850 c depending on the type of glass used. The glass melts and settles into the shape of the mould.
Glass is a magical material with peculiar and beautiful properties. It is tactile and has a gorgeous way of interacting with light. The glass takes on a life of its own as it goes through the process of casting and shaping and how it behaves brings a unique quality to the pieces. I do not know exactly how the sculpture will be until it emerges from the mould- I find this very exciting!
There is a balance between control and chaos and I embrace the interactions, contaminations and inconsistencies which arise. There is a metaphor here for how I/ we live our lives perhaps :)