Flower Infused Glass
With the aim of exploring the possibilities of capturing real plants in handmade, mouthblown glass to achieve a new type of decoration with the use of organic matter, we partnered with Cesty Skla Glassblowing Centre in Sazava, Czech Republic, for a several-week-long experimental project involving an international team of master glassblowers. The process entailed developing bespoke moulds and labour-intensive prototypes, and required access to a professional kiln setup, specialist tools and experienced craftspeople.
Both dried as well as freshly cut flowers and foliage were implemented in the traditional glassblowing process, often to surprising, however dangerous effects. Hot glass is known for its fragility and temperamental behaviour when merged with other materials, and confronted with the moisture of the freshly cut flowers, it would occasionally explode and crack, while the plants produced off-gassing, shrunk or completely charred within the glass layers. As much as the glassblowers were open and courageous to follow the experimental process, it was interesting to confront the moments they identified as mistakes and failures, which, for us, were the most valuable and informative.
A burning mass of energy incinerates the organic matter, imprinting shadows of the plants’ previous selves.
As a result, a unique technique was developed, in which natural flowers and leaves are turned into ash whilst still retaining the patterns and shapes of their stems and petals. Offering painterly qualities, the plants’ remains were cased in coloured glass that varied in tones from amber browns to dark green and blue hues, as well as milky white and clear. As each mould could be used only once, a very limited series of unique pieces was created. The objects were statement sculptural works, capturing the expressive essence of working with natural material (flowers and leaves) and the centuries-old glassblowing process.
| YEAR: 2018 |
TEAM: Marcin Rusak Tessa Silva Dawson |
SPECIALISTS: Glassworks Frantisek – Glass Art Centre, Cesty Skla, Sazava, Czech Republic |
EXHIBITIONS: PAD London 2018, with Sarah Myerscough Gallery |