Artist Statement
Hope Valley Glass Art combines fused and stained glass with printmaking techniques to create unique contemporary hand-made fused and stained glass art. Working from her home studio in the beautiful Peak District, glass artist Kathy has developed a range of original, high quality and affordable glass art. Each piece is hand-made and unique, so no two pieces are exactly the same.
The glass is fired in a kiln for 12 hours at temperatures up to 800ºC and often requires multiple firings. It is a long process but is a visually stunning medium to work with. The beauty of fused and stained glass is that it appears to be constantly changing in different lights and settings .
“I have always had a passion for art and design and I discovered glass art as part of my Foundation Degree in Art and Design at West Dean College, Chichester in 2013. The course introduced me to a range of art media including printmaking, stained and fused glass, and I developed an interest in glass and print fusion. However, until recently, I worked full time and could only pursue this interest in the summer holidays. Now, after a long and successful career in higher education, I can pursue my passion for glass art in my home studio and find it extremely rewarding, despite the occasional cut fingers!
Working with fused glass is an exciting process as it changes in the kiln from a solid form to molten form and back again. No matter how much knowledge you have, you are never totally in control and I like that. I open my kiln each morning with eager anticipation. Sometimes I am delighted and other times I am intrigued! There is never a dull moment!
I am inspired by my local stunning Derbyshire landscape. I work by layering high quality glass and crushed glass to create the illusion of texture. Some of my fused glass is set in stained glass frames and other pieces are enhanced with printing techniques. My aim is to produce beautiful hand-made glass art at affordable prices and to be part of a local network of artisans. If you would like to know more about the glass fusing process and view my range of Hope Valley Glass Art, I look forward to seeing you at my home studio during the Derbyshire Open Arts event”
