Artist statement
I design and make glass art from concept to installation giving it a personal and handmade character. I work with warm glass processes using 'Bullseye' glass for its vibrant colours.
My black and white photography of modern architecture often initiates research and my studio practice has developed by utilising these images. My interest in architecture influences patterns, forms and textures within my designs. I am also inspired by the works of modern painters such as Mondrian and Rothko for their use of bold and vivid colours. The abstract nature of my art is a fusion of all these factors.The relationship between glass, light and space is a key element to my work. Experimentation in creating more depth into my glass art has been unpredictable at times. I have explored those unexpected outcomes by pushing the glass to its limits to produce unusual effects. With the deliberate use of inclusions, rippled glass and aggressive firing schedules I have incorporated bubbles and textures in my work. The complexity of these processes can be a challenge to control at times but the unique results are often rewarding.
Turning my studio practice around completely I have started to construct my recent artworks in intricate patterns using 1mm rods this is a slow and precise technique. This is the opposite of my previous artworks as my processes and firing schedules have to be very controlled. This body of work is very striking and has a unique appearance and quality.
My artworks are an expression of the manipulation of a seductive material.
Qualifications and training
- 2008 BA Contemporary Crafts, Coventry University, Coventry
Group exhibitions
- 2012 Designer Crafts at the Mall 2012, Society of Designer Craftsmen, Mall Galleries, London
- 2011 Made by Hand - Contemporary Craft Fair, Tredeger House, Newport, Wales
- 2011 Origin, Crafts Council, Old Spitalfields Market, London
- 2011 The Contemporary Craft Fair, Crafts at Bovey Tracey, Bovey Tracey (more info)
- 2011 Designer Crafts at the Mall 2011, Society of Designer Craftsmen, London (more info)
- 2010 Marketplace Contemporary Craft Fair, mac Gallery, Birmingham
- 2010 Made by Hand - Contemporary Craft Fair, Tredegar House, Newport (more info)
- 2010 British Contemporary Crafts, Chiswick Town Hall, London
- 2010 Handmade Contemporary Art and Craft Fair, The Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford (more info)
- 2010 Warwickshire Artists Exhibition, 'A' Gallery, Stratford upon Avon, UK
- 2010 Art & Design 'A Taste of Summer', Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, UK
- 2010 Worcester Open 2010, Worcester City Art Gallery and the PITT Studio, Worcester (more info)
- 2010 The British Craft Trade Fair 2010 (BCTF), The Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate (more info)
- 2009 A Feast for the Eyes and Be Dazzled, gallery II and Yorkshire Craft Centre, Bradford (more info)
- 2009 The Brewhouse - Christmas Exhibition, The Brewhouse, Burton upon Trent (more info)
- 2008 Creo, The Custard Factory, Birmingham
Degree shows
- 2008 React, Coventry University, Coventry
Residencies
- 2009 ECB Residency (Three Year Part Time Residency), Coventry University, Coventry
Private commissions
- 2008 Tammy Hargreaves commission - Eruptions series x 3 wall hangings, for her home, Manchester
Public commissions
- 2010 Godiva Awakes, Imagineer Productions, Coventry
Corporate commissions
- 2010 A Fine Line - Interference Installation, Volvo UK - Boardroom, Warwick
- 2009 Triangular Forms Installation, Volvo Uk - Foyer, Warwick
Competitions, prizes and awards
- 2010 Silver Award 2010 - Glass, craft&design, UK
- 2009 Overall Volvo Prize Award Winner, Volvo, Warwick
- 2008 New Business Awards - Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship, Coventry
Other
- 2011 craft&design Selected Award Winners Exhibition, craft&design Magazine, National (more info)
- 2010 Art and Design & A taste of Summer, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock (more info)
Personal website
