work processes

glass engraving

Glass engraving uses specialist tools to engrave figuratively or conceptually on all glass except tempered. To eliminate the issue of scale and utilise the glass as a canvas, I use drill based tools rather than the traditional glass engraving lathe. This gives me the freedom to use the tool as a painter would use a brush or pencil. I work on all sizes and forms, from hand held objects to mural size flat sheets, using manual and mechanical tools to scratch, cut and polish my ideas into life.

Engraving is seperate from glass etching, which is chemical based, and glass cutting, which focuses on decorative cutting, rather than image or conceptual based work.

For freestanding and wall hung examples see the Interior Art Work page.

mural glass engraving

When I work large, the process is known as ‘Mural glass engraving’. This technique was developed in the 1950’s for panels in new and existing architectural settings by New Zealand Artist John Hutton, in order to combine his painting and glass engraving design practice. Starting out as a painter who also worked concurrently in glass, my practice mirrored his and I chose to explore the space between these mediums that he created.

Examples include The Peacock Screen , Durer's Travelling Paradise , Lalique's Dream and the Wilderness Mirrors.

mirrored engraving

When I create a mirrored work, I engrave a design in reverse on the back of the glass. I then pour a a silvering solution onto the design to create a mirrored surface. The engraving creates different textures and shades of silvered surface. Some mirrors explore their boundaries of functionality in a more decorative context, others are conceptual ideas utilising the mirrored surface. Examples of these can be found in my Interior Art Work page.

gilded engraving

These are engravings that have been gilded with gold and/or silver leaf. Some are gilded only on the engraved areas, others are gilded all over with two or more types or colours of gold and silver, creating two tone old fashioned mirrors / images. Some of these may also feature reverse enamel paintwork, a technique taken from traditional signwriting on glass. Images of these can be found on the Interior Art Work page.

gilded drawing

This is glass that has been gilded fully or partially with gold or silver leaf that has then been drawn through. The drawing is made more visible by being ‘backed up’ with enamel paint that becomes visible through the drawn lines. Images of these can be found on the Interior Art Work page.

engraved blown glass

This is when objects are engraved and /or sandblasted with images, and they can be clear, single or multi coloured. I have worked and collaborated on antique and contemporary free blown studio glass that is made by individuals, rather than machines. Working as an apprentice glassblower between 2010-2016 and creating some of the objects I worked on fueled my curiosity to explore engraving on a larger, and less decorative level.

Examples of my own blown, sandblasted and engraved work from my apprenticeship, and a commission create a contemporary version of the Scudamore flute on a pair of antique goblets for TeePee Cider can also be found on the Interior Art Work page.

neon

These artworks utilise traditional glass neon tubing and gases to create a three dimensional light drawings in space that can be considered small or large scale sculpture.