for you who love to flirt with fire... who dare to skate on thin ice...
2019 Techniques: Blown, hot-sculpted and cold-worked glass, drill engraved and cold constructed Dimensions: 110cm x 20cm x 20cm
Keep her where she belongs
2017 Techniques: Blown, hot-sculpted and cold-worked glass, drill engraved and cold constructed Dimensions: 6cm x 6cm x 10cm
A Game of Power and Control
2018 Techniques: Blown, hot-sculpted and cold-worked glass, drill engraved and cold constructed Dimensions: Variable
Forward. Tactile. Flirtatious.
2018 Techniques: Blown, hot-sculpted and cold-worked glass, found glass and mirror, cold constructed Dimensions: Variable
An upward glance, a spirit of mischief, a come-hither look...
2019 Techniques: Blown, hot-sculpted, cold-worked glass, found glass and mirror, cold constructed. Dimensions: Variable
Charming woman, dangerously attractive.
2019 Techniques: Blown, cold-worked, cut glass, found glass and mirror. Diamond engraved and cold constructed. Dimensions: Variable
Photography: Philip Lauterbach
My work has evolved through my research of how women’s positions in Western society have been constructed through concepts of female empowerment, objectification and suppression. I have contextualised these ideas with the use of iconography, symbolism and textual materials, each denoting specific male and female societal roles. This material both amalgamates and juxtaposes the traditionally gendered elements of weaponry and cosmetics, thereby creating a metaphor equalising male and female power.
Each piece’s title is a quote found in early twentieth century advertisements for women’s cosmetics and fashion products. The titles are engraved features on each piece and are a means of highlighting a female issue or injustice. Inspired by the 2018 referendum campaign and the Belfast rape trial, I have also begun collecting quotes found in recent newspaper articles, news broadcasts and documentaries and incorporating them into my work.
Glass is inspirational as an artistic medium and as a means of communicating my ideas. It has a luxurious and alluring quality while also conveying fragility and danger. Each sculpture comprises many individually crafted pieces. I employ a range of glass making processes such as blowing, hot sculpting and various cold-working techniques. I also incorporate components crafted from found alcohol bottles. Including this material points to the delicate subject matter and the lens through which society can view such subjects as rape.