GLASS MAKING
Simon was originally planning to become a set designer working in the theatre but, at the age of thirteen, inspired by a BBC documentary about the Japanese national treasure Shoji Hamada he started building kilns in the garden and making pottery. There followed a chance encounter a few years later with ‘handmade glass’ and the drama of intense heat and fire, combined with the dictates of time constraints, revealed his calling. When creating glass you only have seconds to get it right and this imperative is what inspires Simon.
Several techniques are consistently applied. Thinly blown base colour with layers of soft molten colours are added while the temperature of the kiln is carefully controlled.
"There's no point working with cold glass, I'd have been a glass cutter instead. It's when it moves, that thrills me - and how to fashion it for me becomes the challenge."
PURPLE GROUP
Using a range of techniques, a background colour or colours are introduced and trails of molten glass applied to make the marks. 'Like painting with molten glass.'
- Oval dish: 35cm wide 32cm tall and flattened to 11cm deep.
- Plate on stand: 42cm in diameter metal stand provided.
- Conical Vase: 50cm tall,15cm diameter top.
BLUE PLATES
Simple single colour back ground with hand trailed marks of molten glass settle together, once cooled they are cut by hand from the round, to bring out the character of the marks grouped together and mounted on the wall with simple, metal brackets.
Plates made with two shades of blue, Sapphire and Steel Blue, 55cm at the widest point, blown round but then cut by hand to create shapes that compliment marks. A metal fitting secures them to the wall.
MIXED GROUP
Pieces are designed and made to combine, exploring many techniques, and settle together in many beautiful still life groups. left to right.
- Facon de Venice vase: 55cm tall, thin glass walls with light Velato ground finish.
- Balustrade vase Obelisk: 59cm tall.
- Facon de Venice Olive coloured clear glass: 45cm-47cm diameter.
- Plate with hand ground Batuto finish: 55cm tall.
- Balustrade Vase Arabesque: 58cm tall.
MIXED GROUP
- Two Obelisk Balustrade Vases: approx. 58cm tall.
- Slender Red Facon de Venise: 58cm tall.
- Vase: 50cm tall.
GREEN GRIDS
- Grid Vases ~ background colour and lattice of black over line depict the grid.
- Bowl: 30cm diameter.
- Tall cylinder: 50cm tall.
- Pod vase: 44cm tall, 28cm diameter.
BALUSTRADE CHANDELIER
One of many made with 6 to 12 arms. With height which can vary to suit Venice.
A metal support structure suspends from the ceiling supporting the glass elements and wiring. Can be made 240 or 110 volt.
This is one of three for a restraint and is 120cm diameter 140cn tall.
SCULPTURE
Simon's original specialisation was pottery and over his career he has diversified into glassmaking, sculpture and painting. The sculptural qualities of his glass pieces and his love of process has led him to develop glass casting using clay models made with refractory plasters. The melted glass which is introduced creates the fluid shapes which when combined create a conversation between themselves.
