I work with both glass and clay and create abstract forms inspired by a variety of sources i.e. the undulating hills and landscape that I recall from my childhood in Scotland, from walking in the Peak district and latterly the views from my studio in Monmouth. I also refer to my scientific background and the occasional need for geometric forms creeps into my designs but mostly from my life drawing and the inspiration to recreate the wonderful curves of the female form and solid form of the male in glass. The two materials are very different in their true state i.e. the glass is rigid and sharp, the clay soft and flexible but apply the heat from the kiln firing and the two forms change properties i.e. the glass becomes liquid and flexible and the clay a solid form. This similarity in the materials allows me to explore the possible combinations thus forming surface textural differences in one final piece. I begin with a rough sketch design for the finished piece and then cut the glass which is then “fused” to create one coloured sheet and then “slumped” over the clay mould to create a 3 dimensional form. I make one-off ceramic clay moulds in various abstract forms which are either used to make relief forms and combined with the glass to form the final piece. I love working with glass as there are so many colours to work with and more intense in glass than any other material. Glass is also a tactile material and the shapes formed by slumping on bespoke incised clay moulds can create very unusual and pleasing texture and designs. I still have a feeling of both excitement and trepidation when I open the kiln to reveal the finished slumped piece. | 
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