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

Artist Statement
Since 2004 my work has evolved from the subject of nature into what can be described as the more sublime and interactive area of the subject. My continual search into light and color has resulted in me exploring the apocalyptic and spiritual, not just my initial inspiration of artists such as Turner and Rothko. Using a color grading technique I developed at the RCA. Using transparency and thickness to create an atmospheric effect, which draws the viewer in by using combinations of color that I have tested for the past 7 years. My sculptures are abstract and the form is very much controlled by the arrangement of color. The minimal shape becomes a canvas for the space inside where the harmonious and subtle color change, with bubbles creates an atmosphere pulling the viewer in. Many of my pieces use colors that give a depth with lighter central colors to represent 'the light' or 'a light'. With this I try and create a sense of comfort, exploration and the unknown. In other pieces I explore the colors surrounding us in nature and question how they make us feel. I believe the space within my work should create this order of feeling. 1) Calm. 2) Wonder. 3) Wanting. I am continually questioning mans’ need to believe in another world, a space not physical like ours. Sometimes things occur in nature such as an unusual beam of light, which gives hope of a continuation of our conscious mind and soul shadowing fear that there may be nothing. Many paintings that depict or show a form of hope whether biblical or spiritual have a ray of light from the top left hand corner. The opening of another world in the sky, sometimes it's a light, other times there may be a faint figure that we hope will protect us when facing the unknown! This relation to nature's phenomena is a connection that I enjoy exploring and coming from a non religious, open minded background has lead to my realization that my need is not to imitate nature but create a spiritual relationship.


Biography
Born Uk 1977
2002-04 RCA MA Ceramics and Glass
1996-99 BCUC BA (Hons) Ceramics and Glass

Selected Exhibitions
2008 Bombay Sapphire Prize Touring Exhibition.
2008 British Glass Biennale 2008.

Inspiration
Turner, Rothko, Casper David Friedrich, Landscape and nature.

Inspirational music
Nina Simone.

Resume
Education
2002-2004        The Royal College of Art. MA
1996-1999        BA (Hons) Ceramics and Glass. Buckinghamshire College.

Teaching
2007- Present    Richmond Adult Community College. Part-time tutor, kiln-formed glass.

Selected Exhibitions
Nov 2008    Flow, The Black Horse Gallery, Frome Somerset
Sept 2008   Transmitter, The Koukan Gallery, London
Aug 2008    British Glass Biennale 2008
April 2008   The Bombay Sapphire Prize, Milan, Italy
Nov 2007    The London Group Open Exhibition 2007, London
Aug 2006    The British Glass Biennale 2006
June 2005   Fresh Air, Quennington Sculpture Trust
Sept 2004   The Bombay Sapphire Prize 2004, Touring Exhibition
Aug 2003    Transfuse, The Great Eastern Hotel, London
July 2002    Henley Festival 2002, Buckinghamshire
Jan 2002    The London Art Fair 2002, New London Glass, London

Commissions  
July 2007    Bookham United Reformed Church, The Sanctuary Window

Awards
Jan 2008    The Craft Council Development Award
July 2004   The New Designers Bombay Sapphire award for Contemporary Glass
June 2004   The Thames and Hudson RCA Society Art Book Prize

Publications and Catalogues
Edition PAUMES, London Ateliers, Shufunotomosha, Feb 2009
The Observer Sunday Supplement, Nov 2008, Courvoisier The Future 500
SE1 City Magazine, March 2008
Peter Layton and Friends, Celebrating London Glassblowing, Halsgrove publication.
The Richard and Judy Show, Channel 5 television, March 2005

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