CGGE
Spotlight
Interview with Dichroicdazzle
I’m from Birmingham in England (UK). I live on the outskirts North of the city affectionately known as ‘Little Siberia’ because it’s the highest part of the city and very exposed and chilly. I have been married for 12 years to my dear hard working, supportive and long suffering husband. We have two adorable children, and 8 year old girl and a 5 year old boy. I don’t mind telling you I’m 34 years old. I have a lovely old tortishell kitty called smudge who is 15 years old, and a white rabbit called Fluffy who belongs to my daughter. My sons rabbit Jessica sadly died a few weeks ago. My dream is to move to Ireland with the family one day probably Galway and buy a small house or cottage with a good portion of land somewhere quiet and rural. We are lucky to own a mobile home (trailer) in Avoca Wicklow in Ireland so we can visit my husband’s relatives over there whenever we want to.
What is your professional background?
I qualified as a Goldsmith/jeweller to Advanced level City and Guilds from the School of Jewellery and Silversmithing in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarters then worked for a small family company making top end 18ct gold diamond rings for 12 years.
After a few years as a full time mum and artist I am re-inventing myself and studying at University for a BSC (hons) Radiotherapy degree. This means I am training to be able to treat Cancer with high energy ionising radiation. (I know I’m crazy)
What led you to your passion for glass?
My Mum Brother and Sister clubbed together and arranged for me to do a short enamelling course as a birthday gift. Enamelling was something I had always wanted to try, but at the time I was studying and working in the Jewellery Quarters the only courses available were for at least a year, in London or Kent, and I had no desire to move away from home. I really enjoyed it and found it very natural for me. I invested in a kiln and experimented further. During my course I discovered Dichroic glass. I was captivated by it and did buy a couple of sheets which just sat around in my workshop for a couple of years. I finally purchased a couple of books and started fusing. This completely overtook my enamelling for a couple of years. I finally settled in to doing a little of both.
What's a typical glass day for you?
Assuming it’s a day I can spend devoted to glass (V rare) Designing on paper is usually reserved for silverwork and enamelling. I often just play with colours and layers until I find a combination I like. Sometimes I have a big plan in my head, sometimes I play, which is my favourite way to work with glass, and let the designs develop organically. I then fused grind and fire polish. Usually the stages of the process take me a few days and I pop in and out of my workshop for 30 mins here and there.
How do you feed your creativity?
One word to describe glass.
Tactile – you just can’t help but touch it.
What type of studio do you have?
Ha! Now that’s a question.
Hmmm well it’s a glorified shed, in my back yard fairly close to the house, insulated boarded and with a power supply. It’s a good set up with young children, they cannot gain access to it as would be the case with a room in my house, and the fumes and dust remain safely outside. It’s called a workshop because it contains a traditional jewellers set up bench, polishing area, which was its original identity, and the studio part with the kiln was added later. Its very compact and well organised just 8’ x 6’.
What keeps you company when you're working on a glass project?
I like the peace and quiet. I don’t get a lot of that. My workshop is my sanctuary when I get the chance, ‘me time’. I like to listen to my children playing out in the garden when they are out there.
Favorite treat after a productive session or completed project?
Show my family what I made and then have a nice cup of coffee
Favorite gift ever received?
The affore mentioned enamelling course from my family. Its where this all started.
Favorite task related to your craft?
Probably the same as most glass artists. Unloading the kiln and seeing the results. I have always loved surprises.
Least favorite task related to your craft?
I think I would have to say cropping and resizing the photos of my finished pieces can be a bit monotonous. There isn’t a single part of the practical processes I dislike.
Words of wisdom for aspiring glass artists?
As long as you’re using good safe practise and looking after your health while working with glass. Break ‘rules’ and experiment.
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