Glass as an artform is unique

I combine my painters passion with that of glass forming to create glass with painterly qualities.

I am constantly inspired by the potential of the materials I use and by all the elements, land, sea and the deeper mysteries of space.

I create expressive, intuitive glass that contains moods and overtones of drama, movement and the natural harmonies found in nature. There are visual links to Art Nouveau as glass lends itself to sensual, organic forms. My intention is to display glass and its purity of colour at its best.

When working with a transparent material you are working with the extra dimension of light and we all know light plays tricks. When a sudden shaft of light falls in a certain way, highlighting the surface reflections, or shines through it creating fantastic jewelled flashes and stops you in your tracks, then all is revealed. You see the wonderful attraction of working with elusive, mysterious and unpredictable glass. In every piece there is the WOW factor.

The technique

This is an ancient process used by the Romans and revived by the Victorians, but I give it a contemporary twist.

It is a most exciting and unpredictable technique and has real mystery, as I have to wait until the kiln can be opened before I know the results. The frustrations that accompany it are far outweighed by the stunning and gloriously beautiful effects that can be achieved with a fair amount of patience and a dexterity for cutting glass

I only use clear glass. I introduce colour by trapping materials between layers of glass which melt together in the heat of the kiln firing, a transformation which produces stunning effects.

I make my moulds from materials which allow for more movement during the firing. The heat causes the glass to soften and slump creating dramatic changes to surface texture and shape. The meticulous glass preparation and firing process takes a minimum of two weeks.

The next stage involves many hours carefully inspecting and hand-finishing with grinding and polishing tools.

Finally, after much handling and appreciation of its tactile qualities, I personalise the completed piece by engraving my name and the year on it, somewhere discreet so it doesn't interfere with the aesthetic appearance. This is a good time. It is truly satisfying feeling to have actually made something unique and special, and it still feels a little unreal. Glass does have a magical quality.

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