Artwork for Lisa Coles
Sentinels. Glass landscape
Rockpool
Ghost Tree
Beach Commission
Make a Wish
Ghost Tree
Puddle Bowl
Details
I work with kiln formed glass (fused glass). Hand-cut and carefully positioned pieces of coloured glass are fused together with heat. Texture, colour, shade and pattern are added through the use of vitreous glass, powdered and crushed glass. I like to use every scrap of glass in order to reduce waste. With the right heat treatment, even metals can be encased within glass. These oxidise in the heat and create effects that are often unpredictable.
Any one piece can be fired multiple times with each firing lasting more than 12 hours. The temperature rises to in excess of 700C and it is then held at an annealing temperature to strengthen the glass and make it durable. Once fired I use a range of additional surface treatments such as engraving and sandblasting to further embellish my work.
Creating glass art is a compulsion. My inspiration comes from the natural beauty of the Wye Valley, along with meaningful moments in my life. I like to use texture and light refraction to entice the viewer to touch, even though they know how fragile glass is. As a result much of my work, even the bowls, feature surface texture.
I create glass art using heat via a kiln. Other names for this art form are fused glass art or kiln formed glass art.
I am drawn to both the strength and fragility of glass, and my part in being able to manipulate and control it. I enjoy adding textural elements, using painterly techniques and exploring how one might encase elements, even metal, within layers of glass.
I have more than 27 years of experience in adult education and run regular glass fusing workshops. My workshops are informative and fun and suitable for complete beginners and those with some experience. They will give you the skills and knowledge to create beautiful pieces of unique art. Materials are included, so all you need to bring is your imagination and enthusiasm. Please contact me for more information.
• PGCE (Post Compulsory Education and Training), University of Greenwich
• BA (Hons) Graphic Information Design, Falmouth School of Arts
• Freelance illustrator & designer
• Creative Industries Federation
• First prize (painting) at the National Eisteddfod of Wales
2022 exhibitions: The Secret Gallery, Newent; St. Mary’s Priory, Chepstow; and Canwood Gallery, Hereford.
My work is on sale at the Made in Ross Gallery located in the Market House and at Art in Penallt, Monmouth during the summer.
Private commissions are welcomed
