BLOG – 35 YEARS AGO BLOG 34

“Enjoying” a situation where my studio sits on the Thurso Riverside then I regard myself fortunate in have space outside my workshop to show off my glass. I have specifically made glass to be viewed outside over 35 years. However, a little bit of research in my own archives shows that I have been displaying glass outside for many many years.

I love making abstract glass sculptures and my passion for this can be traced back to working in Oldham in the 1970’s. I spent some time in Hemel Hempstead working for a scientific glassblowing company (Jencons Scientific Ltd) and whilst waiting for a house of our own we lived with my In-Laws. To address the boredom that I endured whilst staying in one room I decided to build a pond complete with a waterfall. My Mother-in-Law didn’t dislike the result although she did complain that the sound of running water made her want to go to the toilet !!! One day I decided to brighten up the garden and unpacked some of my glass sculptures to display in the waterfall and pond. I think the combination of clear glass and water really works well. My Mother-in-Law didn’t get it! Few people did then. Not sure now.

Nowadays public art is all the rage, and every shopping centre is not complete without the obligatory monumental metallic shiny symbolistic thing! I am convinced that one day there will be no retail shops left but town centres will be full of art! Hmmm no bad thing.

I have stuck glass in the grassy verge outside my workshop as although there is a road, there is no pavement, so grass seems perfect base to stick glass rods and tubes into. No one (so far) has complained, certainly not the Council (again, so far)

It’s great to see the reactions of people passing by, not expecting so see such wonderful glass art rising out of the grass and I hope one day to get in the water to set up floating glass sculptures. Maybe for Glass Creations 40th?