ARTIST: Sally Kent
EXHIBITION DATE: June/July/August 2016
STYLE OF WORK: Heat fused coloured glass
STUDIO LOCATION: Kingsbury Episcopi
WEBSITE: www.sallykentglass.co.uk
TWITTER: @meltingglassart
The rich iridescent colours of glass and the way they change with the light have always intrigued me. My first introduction into glass came about when I was working with silver and trying to include a glass piece in a bracelet. Every time I fired the silver, the glass shattered. This led me to investigate the properties of glass and so the journey started.
I began fusing glass in earnest in my shed about seven years ago, experimenting and making mistakes that very often came close to burning down the whole set up! After much trial and error in the shed I decided it was time to invest in a large fusing kiln.
I opened a professional studio space and gallery in Spring 2014 and have since been working on public art commissions, exhibiting in galleries and working with groups of children to create light sculptures as well as taking on a range of private commissions. In January 2016 I moved into my purpose built studio in the garden. It is a joy to have such a large space and only a few steps from the back door. Great for late night fusing!
My work is inspired by the Somerset countryside and changing seasons. I work with a large variety of coloured fusing glass to build up layers of colour. The glass is fused in the kiln at high temperatures. By varying temperatures and timings different textures can be created. I often like to include metals such as copper sheet and wire as well as including reactive glasses within my work. I make a huge range of items from large kitchen splash-backs, sculptures and wall panels to coasters and bowls.
I welcome visitors to the studio by appointment. Just give me a call first.