Silica Seaweed

The glass in Silica Seaweed is close to its origins in both name and materials; sea and sand.
I am challenged and fascinated by the prospect of converting a flat piece of glass into a form with movement. The play of light through transparent glass is increased using a sculptural approach which highlights the unique qualities of glass.
As seaweed is almost transparent and moves freely with the currents and tides, I chose to emulate it in this artwork which uses contemporary warm and cold glass techniques. Complex cutting was involved and transparent colour and textural glass droplets were added in separate kiln firings. The final slumping process was carefully controlled using unconventional moulds, each made to support the glass as it melted.
Warm glass art is gaining popularity and being used in exciting new ways.
Silica Seaweed is an example of the enormous potential for contemporary glass art sculpture.