Artists selected for the 2009 BIGG: Breakthrough Ideas in Global Glass are:

Artist Statement
The work is concerned with pushing the parameters of water jet cutting technology. In recent years I have been investigating the creative uses of water jet cutting for glass. This has led to the development of work that is utilizing this cutting edge technology in an imaginative and unique way. Cutting properties, cutting shapes, lines and milling within sheets of glass that are only possible with such a machine are being explored. Accurate lines, holes and intricate shapes, which can be used in multiples, within single and several layers of glass are being produced. These qualities create work that draws the viewer into the work and the processes that have been applied. The approach is minimal allowing the cutting to maximize the qualities of the architectural glass application. Layering of cutting is enhanced by the manipulation of natural and artificial lights. I trained in Architectural Stained Glass at Swansea Institute and completed a Masters at University of Wolverhampton, before setting set up a studio undertaking a variety of commissions ranging from church restoration to contemporary interiors. In 2000 moved to Sunderland to undertake research looking at creative uses of water jet cutting culminating in completing a PhD in 2006.  Currently an Architectural Glass Artist living and teaching at the Welsh School of Glass, Swansea Metropolitan University. Alongside my work at the University my studio undertakes commissions that utilize the experience and knowledge with the field of architectural glass.

Resume
Selected Education
2006    PhD University of Sunderland
1999    MA Art and Design Network, Glass, University of Wolverhampton
1997    BA Hon, Three Dimensional Design with Printmaking 2:1, University of Wolverhampton
1994    BTEC HND, Architectural Stained Glass, Swansea Institute of Higher Education

Work Experience
Presently    Lecturer Swansea Metropolitan University, Welsh School of Architectural Glass

2006-2008    RCUK Academic Fellow in Glass, University of Sunderland

2006    Visiting lecturer at the Royal College of Art

2004-2006    Research Assistant for water jet University of Sunderland, RAE Fellowship, 12 months in America exploring 5 axis waterjet cutting and presenting seminars at Institutions such as Alfred University, University of Missouri Rolla, Harvard and Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

2004-2005    Part time evening visiting lecturer at the University of Sunderland, Lift courses teaching stained glass and painting in glass to adults within the region. This also included a Master class in painting in glass August 2004.

1998-2004    Principle assistant to Prof. Ronald Pennell, Helped in work for several exhibitions and private commissions work for residences in Paris and the UK

1997-2000    University of Wolverhampton Glass department teaching graduate and post graduate students all aspects of Architectural glass as a part time Technical Demonstrator

Other Experience
2000    Set up a studio within Bewdley Museum, Worcestershire working on commissions and glass jewellery before moving to the North East in 2002

Assistant to various artists in the use of waterjet cutting of work for commissions that they have been undertaking. Artists such Richard Meitner, Scot Chaseling, Esther Adesigbin, Conrad Atkinson, Keith Brocklehurst. These have been both national and international artists.

Consultancy Rochester Advanced Glass Technologies, New York

Selected Exhibitions
2008    Inside Out, Brewery Arts Cirencester
British Glass Biennale (3 pieces selected)
Glass Routes, Bilston Art Gallery  
Designed and Made, Newcastle

2007    Side by Side Exhibition, Bovey Tracey September
Artist in Residence Missouri Rolla University
Open studio invited artist Duns Scotland

2006    IX International Glass Symposium at Crystalex Novy Bor, Czech Republic,
Evolve, Newcastle
Origins, Somerset House
100% Design
Launch 2006, Fire Station Newcastle June 2006
British Glass Biennale (3 pieces selected) Finalist in best in show
Glass Sellers Prize, Finalist
Scottish Gallery
New British Glass, Singapore

2005    Edge, National Glass Centre
Shaping Light 2, Workshop Arts, London

2004    Looking over my shoulder, Lesley Craze Gallery, London

1999    The New Glass Economy, Shanghai and Hertfordshire

1998    Decorative Arts, Bonham’s, London

Collections
Wheaton Arts Millville USA
Swansea Institute of Higher Education
University of Wolverhampton

Selected Commissions
Albert Road Portsmouth, 2008 collaboration with Cate Watkinson, Landmark Glass feature.
Baltic Business Park, Gateshead, collaboration with Cate Watkinson, Baltic Butterfly seating
South Tyneside Hospital, Cardiology Dept, 2006
Window restoration, St Peters church, Telford, 2004
Window restoration, Blendworth church, Hampshire, 2003
Norwich Castle café commission

Selected Publications and Presentations
2007        WJTA Houston Texas, (paper, presentation, master class, panel of experts and chairperson)
Atoms to Art, London University College, London
Parallel Connections Research Conference. University of Sunderland

2006    Society of Glass Technologists Conference. University of Sunderland
18th International Conference on Water Jetting. Gdansk, Poland, Paper, presentation and referee. Winner of best paper

2004    17th International Conference on Water Jetting. Mainz, Germany

Articles
Glass North East (2007) ed. Peter Davies
Made issue 3 p.36
Neues Glas (3/07)pp.83,85
Crafts. Issue 199 March 2006.
International Crafts Arts No. 68 p.104.  
International Crafts Arts No. 68  ‘Interactive Luminance’ Dan Klein p.22-27.
Neuse Glas Winter 2006 (4/06) p.17

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