Glass art with purpose
Hi I'm Penny.
I’ve been making things for as long as I can remember.
That journey of making; this is the thing I love. While the end result is of course important, for me it is that process of taking raw materials and putting them together in a new way to produce a thing, which makes me happy; be that a knitted jumper, paper book or a rod of glass into a ring. I blog about them all here.
But the more I make, the more important it is to me that what I make has a purpose.
I think this is why I enjoy knitting so much. Not only is it a lovely calming way to end my day (assuming I haven’t dropped a stitch), I end up with a useful thing at the end, whether it’s a jumper, blanket or a cuddly toy.
Most recently I have come across glass as a medium to play with. What intriguing stuff and with so many possibilities!
My husband built me a small studio in the garden and I am now free to play and experiment, round daily life. Each project starts with a solid piece of glass, whether its a rod, sheet or powder, which with the application of heat in some form I can transform into something wonderful. Sometimes I am working with a flame, sometimes the heat of the kiln, but it is always about the transformation. A solid to a liquid and back again but different.
It is very important to me that the things I create out of glass and silver are practical useful things which are also beautiful. I hope that you will agree with me and enjoy the things I make too.
It is also important to me, that while the things I make might not be that sustainable, even when recyling as much as I can, I still try and help. Which is why 10% of everything I earn goes to the Woodland Trust. They don't just plant trees but work hard to make sure government create policies with the natural world front and centre.
I am a member of the Petersfield Arts and Crafts Society and the Contemporary Glass Society.
Do contact me if you have any questions.