Colin Reid

Artist statement

Concepts
My work is inspired by forms and textures found in nature. More recently I have been exploring architectural materials which have been worked by human hands in the past, but which are eroding, weathering and returning to nature. These are reborn as new works in glass. Key changes include the use of optical glass for casting, giving superb clarity and enabling me to work with the internal volumes of the piece. As well as works for exhibition I have developed large-scale kiln casting for site-specific works, such as 8216; Bamboo Scroll 8217, a major commission in cast glass and steel for Shanghai Public Library.

Influences
Nature, geology, landscape, rocks, wood, objet trouvé, cultural, artistic, ancient civilizations and artefacts.

Career path
Education and qualifications:
1978-1981 BA (1st Class Hons) Stourbridge School of Art, Stourbridge, UK
1975-1977 Trained and worked in industry as Scientific Glassblower (Lampwork)
1970-1972 Foundation Course, St. Martin's School of Art, London

Work experience:
1981-2004 Glass Studio in Stroud, UK
1999-2002 Visiting Professor, University of Wolverhampton
1998-2002 Visiting Lecturer, Glass & Keramikskolen Pa Bornholm, Denmark
1990-1991 Artist in Residence, Carrington Polytechnic, Auckland, New Zealand

Work in over 30 Public Collections including:
Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Corning Museum of Glass, New York.
Los Angeles County Museum, Los Angeles, USA.
Kunstmuseum der Stadt Dusseldorf, W. Germany.
Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, Japan.
Craft Council Collection, London.
Auckland Museum & Institute, Auckland, New Zealand.
National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.
Museum of Decorative Arts, Prague, Czech Republic
Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Kunstgewerbemuseum,Berlin
Musee des Artes Decoratifs, Montreal, Quebec

Commissions include:
1997 Sculpture in cast optical glass and wood for reception area, Cutlers Gardens Estate, London, H:250cm, client - Standard Life.
1997 Four sculptures in cast glass on Indian theme for cruise liner, H:150cm, client - Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
1999 Bamboo Scroll; cast glass and steel, H:350cm. Shanghai Library, China
2000 River Rocks; cast glass; three sections, each W:60 D:50 H:35 cm, River Lune Millennium Park, Lancaster
2004 Cipher Stone, landmark artwork for UK Government Agency