International Glass Festival

Just to share some of the exciting work on display at this year’s International Glass Festival that ran 28-30 May. Across a range of venues within Stourbridge, the Festival hosted a number of activities from glass blowing (have a go!), lectures through to masterclass workshops with Dante Marioni and James Devereux. I managed to see both of them working on Saturday, and it was a great to see them first hand! Lectures were provided by distinguished glass masters including Ron Pennell, Neil Wilkin and Janusz Pozniak. Alongside this, the Biennale showcases a range of contemporary glass work, and this part of the show runs through to June 28^th at Ruskin Glass Centre. Here, 76 artists exhibit their work to showcase the changing and dynamic use of glass.

 

 

The work featured shows a true plethora of approaches to glass, and is a stimulating and worthwhile visit. From Helen Maurer’s new projections involving lampworking and light, though to Erin Dickson ‘photographs’ in waterjet cutting, to Gillies/Jones’ blown forms, it is a rich display. Tobias Mohl presented his glass in new ways, and the use of lampworking in Zoe Garner and Ayako Tani’s work created intriguing work and questioned our sense of scale. Images shown include Dante Marioni in action, and work by Shelley James,Harry Morgan.

 

The exhibition runs until 28^th June, open Mon- Sat 10-4pm. Further information can be found at http://www.biennale.org.uk/2015-biennale/call-for-entries-.php