For the Love of Venice
Aah, there’s something about Venice. I have often wondered what that might actually be. Is it that you walk into an unreal fantasy world frozen in time? From the golden mosaics in the San Marco basilica, the sounds of the Four Seasons in Vivaldi’s church and the countless sculptures and precious artworks in museums and old palazzos. And then… just when you thought this beautiful place could not get more romantic, there’s glass and lots and lots of it, everywhere!
Glass vs Coffee
Here in the studio we maintain a healthy balance between the need for coffee and the desire to work with glass. Recently a little glass vs. coffee event presented itself in the studio when the placing of the new coffee machine caused quite a stir. Stirring in this case is not in the coffee cup but the reorganising of the whole studio layout including all the kilns.
A Fun Interview with Helga Stassen - glass artist, architect, lecturer, mother, farmer, traveler.
Helga Stassen of Glass Roots Studio in the beautiful Garden Route of South Africa has lived many lives in this lifetime. Here is a little fun questionnaire about her adventures in glass.
Glass Alchemy - the magic is in the chemistry (Part 1)
There is no doubt glass is a magical medium. The mere thought that it is mostly sand transformed by heat into a substance that projects coloured light is in itself an idea rich with possibility. But behind the wonder and inspiration lies plenty of science and a good dollop of alchemy.
10 Things I've learnt after 10 years as a full-time glass artist
I look back on the past 10 years and ponder the lessons learnt as a full time kilnglass artist.
First Time Ever! Exclusive interview with Signora MilleFiori
Upon meeting Signora Millefiori the first time, one cannot help to be absolutely enchanted. She dazzles with unexpected colour and a very intricate personality. She seems to remain fresh and young at heart despite her very advanced age and her timeless grace is truly inspiring. I have been under her spell for quite a few years now and finally got up close and personal with her in this exclusive interview.
Knysna Fire! How do I evacuate my glass studio?
We have all had the discussion of what to take when your house is about to burn down. Today, one month ago on 6 and 7 June 2017, Knysna and the surrounding areas saw one of the biggest natural disasters in South Africa in living memory and there I was, facing this reality. Not a dinner party discussion, but packing my bags for real. It was a rather pleasant relief to realise that in the decision-making moment, few things really matter.