Pate de Verre
I craft these delicate bowls by gradually building up layers of crushed glass in a hand made plaster mould. This ancient technique allows me to create unique, organic forms with intricate details. The process involves careful preparation, precise application of the glass frits, and controlled firings in a kiln. The first firing is 8 hours long, the second firing is over 16 hours long to protect the fragile quality of the glass. The result is a stunning, translucent bowl with a luminous quality, showcasing the beauty of the glass and the artistry of the process. I am drawn to this technique because it gives me the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind pieces that evoke a sense of both fragility and strength.
‘Pate de verre’ is French for ‘paste of glass’ and refers to the technique of mixing crushed glass with an adhesive and carefully packing it into hand-built, heat resistant refractory moulds. After two kiln firings, the glue has burnt away and the plaster mould is broken off to reveal a glass vessel. This delicate technique dates back to Ancient Egyptian times, but fell out of fashion until recent decades when a new generation of artists have begun experimenting and innovating.