Artist Statement

Hope Valley Glass Art combines fused and stained glass with printmaking techniques to create unique contemporary hand-made fused glass art. Working from my home studio in Hathersage. I have developed a range of original, high quality affordable glass art. Each piece is unique so no two piece are exactly the same.

I work by layering specialist crushed glass a to create the illusion of texture. I allow the glass to flow to give movement to each piece. I work with different reactions in the glass as the chemical properties of certain glass when combined together and fired in the kiln create reactions. I sometimes add pure silver to the mix and get wonderful surprising results.

As my work has developed, my focus is increasingly on semi-abstract landscapes inspired by the beautiful Peak District and seascapes inspired by my family home in a little fishing village on the Spanish coast. In addition to wall art I also make one off statement pieces, contemporary stained glass sun catchers and a small selection of unique layered glass pendants.

The glass is fired in a kiln for about 14 hours at 800ºC and often requires multiple firings. It is a long process but is a visually stunning medium to work with. The beauty of fused glass is that it appears to be constantly changing in different lights and settings .

Working with fused glass is an exciting process as it changes in the kiln from a solid form to molten form and back again. No matter how much knowledge you have, you are never totally in control and I like that. I open my kiln each morning with eager anticipation, sometimes I am delighted and other times I am intrigued! There is never a dull moment! Looking forward to seeing you during DOA event.