Glass Highlights from Sculpture in Context 2015

Louise Murphy - Arderin

If you have not ventured to Glassnevin this autumn to see the gardens in all of their glory, this is the time to do so. Once again talented glass artists have made themselves known at the Sculpture in Context exhibition at The National Botanic Gardens in Glassnevin. This year’s exhibition had the highest amount of entries to date. It was a challenge for the judicators to choose just 160 of artworks from 384 submissions. Congratulations to all artists who have participated in Irelands largest and most prestigious annual outdoor sculpture exhibition. Here is just a glimpse of works from this year’s show. (All photographs by Karl Jordan).

George Walsh - Spirit of the Harvest

Classically trained stained glass artist George Walsh shows two exquisitely made pieces Fishermen, (painted and fused glass) and Spirit of the Harvest, (Painted Antique Glass) greeting you as you enter the gallery space. 

Also in the gallery is some emerging talent from NCAD glass student Louise Murphy. Arderin, is a sculpted mountainscape that displays the reflective and optical qualities of shot glass. Just beginning her final degree year, this is the first time Louise has shown in this exhibition. 

Gwyn Grace - Sundew Sparkle

There are quite a few familiar names in this year’s exhibition: It is exciting to see the work of recent NCAD graduate Gwyn Grace, this year returning with Sundew Sparkle (cast bronze, glass and bog oak). 

Sinead Brennan - Gone to Pot

Sinead Brennan, GSoI board member and Waterford the Glass City project coordinator is showing some beautiful hot sculpted pieces in a mini installation, Gone to Pot. Both artists’ works this year are finely displayed in the gallery window directly in front of Whole world in your Hands, a piece by Beth Newman Maguire (bronze and Cavan Crystal).

Whole world in your Hands, a piece by Beth Newman Maguire

Another returning exhibitor in the gallery, Dublin artist Eva Kelly shows her vibrant and colourful wall mounted glassworks ‘Oranges and Lemons’. Last but not least, before we venture outside, Willie Foley shows Gilded Cage made from glass and steel.

Eva Kelly - Oranges and Lemons 

Willie Foley - Gilded Cage

Out in the gardens don’t forget to stop and smell the Deise Daisies by William Harvey made with glass and bronze.  

Deise Daisies - William Harvey

Mags O’Dea is dressing up the trees again (you might remember her award winning glass piece from 2013 so we thought we'd bend the rules and mention her again).Another recent graduate from the glass department at NCAD, she is currently studying an MA in sculpture. Mags’ Burlesque (coloured waxes and textiles) can be also found as you venture through the gardens. 

Mags O'Dea - Burlesque 

Of course, there are over one hundred more pieces to be found as you explore the exhibition nevertheless I hope we have given you a showcase of this year’s glassy entries.

Be sure to check out Sculpture in Context 2015 at The National Botanical Gardens, which will run until 16 October 2015. Admission is free and it's a great visit for all the family to enjoy. Opening times are 9-5 weekdays and 10-6 weekends and bank holidays. Free tours of the exhibition every Tuesday 10.30am - 11.30am and every Saturday 3pm - 4pm. Full programme of all the artists and works is available at the reception. More details and contact info see their website. 

Written by: Louise Murphy

Photographer: Karl Jordan

(Thank You to Jackie Ball for your help!)

The Irish Invasion - Pilchuck Session7, 2014

Fred Curtis and TA Conor in the Cold shop 

Glass. Rarely seen glass. Mother Teresa. Water/Waader/Wawsher. Hot Glass. Painting Party. Crown Jewels. Irish Glass. S’mores. Beer. The Pond. Falling into the Pond. Cold Glass. Volleyball. Cartwheel Races. Golden Apron. Laughing. Crying. Glass Music. The Bell. Hot Shop Party. Climbing Walls. Silent Auction. Crazy Hair. Glass. Glass. Glass. Pilchuck was something else. A week just wasn’t enough.

The cold shop on a beautiful day

Unlike other summer classes at Pilchuck, Session 7 was an open-studio session where students were free to work in all areas of the campus. This session attracted students of all levels and backgrounds many using the open studio experience as a chance to explore glass for the first time. A diverse and intriguing programme was on offer from instructors Róisín de Buitléar (hotshop), Fred Curtis (coldshop), Walter Lieberman (glass painting), Armelle Bouchet O’Neill (kilnforming) and Amber Cowan (flameshop).The enthusiasm of the students, the knowledge, skill and personalities of the instructors and the addition of inspirational live-wire Laura Donefer as the Artist in Residence into the mix resulted in the creation of some distinct, exciting, experimental art and enthralled students.

Fred with his TA's

This was my first time at Pilchuck and I was both delighted and nervous to be tasked with serving as a Teaching Assistant (TA) to the great Fred Curtis, Master Glass-Cutter from the Waterford Crystal Factory. I spent my time in Pilchuck’s fantastic cold shop, organising materials and equipment and attending to the students. Despite being a fellow Wexfordian, this was my first time meeting the famous Fred. My glassy adventure began at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, where I met Róisín, Fred and Antoine Brodin (one of Roisin’s TA's). The ground-breaking Caution Fragile! Exhibition was just about to come down. It was really great to witness such inspirational pieces of Irish Glass in such an important international venue. I was delighted to get the chance to see it before the end.

Fred Curtis getting out of his comfort zone in the Hotshop

 My day at the museum set the tone of the trip; I was already in awe of Fred, relaxed, laughing and surrounded by Irish artists. For such a small nation we were exceptionally well represented that session, to to the roll call there was: Róisín De Buitléar, Fred Curtis, Meadhbh McIlgorm, Aoife Soden, Andrea Spencer (English but now lives in Antrim so we're claiming her), Rozarii Lynch (Irish now living in Seattle) and myself - plus other honorary Irish (shout out to Conor McClellan Fred’s other TA, Irish in name)! It was great to see the appreciation that the students and staff, including the other instructors, showed towards us, with Fred being held in particularly high esteem. His reputation had definitely crossed the Atlantic with his demonstrations attracting the awe and complete attention of the audience. His cold shop grew in popularity throughout the week with students of all abilities getting their first experience of the infinite possibilities of cold glass.

A bunch of Irish people and some honorary one's half way around the world :) 

The week was a whirlwind - nonstop from start to finish. The campus was a real hive of activity with artist talks on all week when we weren’t making use of the world class facilities. Two talks of note were presented by our own Róisín De Buitléar and Fred Curtis. Róisín gave an excellent heartfelt presentation on the plight of Waterford Crystal and her work in response to this. Fred’s slide show took a different direction with a montage of some of his most famous and technically ingenious pieces. Its fair to say there were a few amazed expressions while Fred presided over the room.

Pilchuck Olympians Aoife Soden and Roisin de Buitleir

The old mantra of “work hard play hard” definitely rang true in the misty mountains of the Pacific Northwest. There was a real sense of fun about the entire week and this manifested itself in a number of interesting guises: From the tamer pursuit of hiking up the mountain to inspiration point - bottle of wine in tow and floating along the lake with fellow Irish TA Aoife Soden, to some more exuberant activities including an end of session hot shop party, dancing in the ‘Trojan Horse’ and the international athletic extravaganza that was the Pilchuck Olympics. With such a frantic week in the creative bubble of Pilchuck Fred, Aoife, Antoine and I eased ourselves back into the real world with a visit to the Dale Chihluly Gardens and Glass before leaving. A fantastic end to a truly ‘awesome’ week! ;)

At Chihuly Gardens, Seattle. 

End of adventure selfies

Written by Sinead Brennan 

Glass in the Gardens @Sculpture in Context 2014

Benjamin Just, 'Bonsai Model', Glass Wood Pvc, 20x40x10

Hard as it is to believe that a whole year has gone by since I told you about ‘GLASS GALORE @Sculpture in Context2013' - I’m delighted to say that we have done it again and glass art is once more making a big impression at Ireland’s largest and most prestigious annual outdoor sculpture event Sculpture in Context.

Madeleine Hellier, 'Jinny Joe, Jinny Joe Bring me back an Egg', Engraved Watch Faces

Gracing the gardens and glasshouses Dublin’s Botanical Gardens every September/October since 2002 this exhibition features over 150 pieces from both Irish and International artists.There is always fantastic variety with works in all mediums from both established and emerging artists. 

We have counted an amazing fifteen lovely pieces made with glass this year.

 Here's the list of their creators:  

Gwyn Grace, 'Bog Sundew Tentacles', Glass

Benjamin Just

Eva Kelly

Gwyn Grace

Lisa Sarsfield

Madeleine Hellier

Mags O'Dea

Margaret Tuffy 

Merce Canadell

Rose Sinclair-Doyle

Sadhbh Mowlds

Michelle Maher

Susan Cuffe

Rose Sinclair-Doyle, 'Past Whisper', Glass, 35x25x8

Margaret Tuffy, 'Small Breaths', Blown Glass

Continuing the theme of glassy excellence, I'm delighted to report that one of the three cash prizes for an Outdoor Work of Distinction in Any Medium’ was awarded to Merce Canadell, a final year student in the National College of Art and Design glass department, for her piece Embracing Water. Her cast glass piece is partly submerged in the water feature in one of the greenhouses where the running water makes the sculpture glisten and seem to come alive. (Though you should obviously try to see it in person – there is a great shot of it at the end of this short youtube video).

Merce Canadell, 'Embracing Water', Cast Glass, 150x40x35

Some returning stars from last year’s exhibition are recent NCAD graduates Gwyn Grace, Mag’s O’Dea (who was awarded a prize last year) and Sadhbh Mowlds (The GSoI Prize winner at the RDS awards this year). The NCAD students are ones to be watched in this exhibition for sure!

Sadhbh Mowlds, 'The Good People', Blown Enamelled Glass Wood

Mags O'Dea, 'Nurturing The Seed Within', Blown Glass, 10x10x26 

Another familiar face from last years show is Eva Kelly - whose mixed media piece 'Buried Treasure' features some very sweet cast glass dog bones. Well done also to Benjamin Just, who has not one but two glass pieces chosen for this years exhibition.

Benjamin Just, 'Tree Rings', Glass, 40x10x10

Eva Kelly, 'Buried Treasure', Cast Glass and Mixed Media, 25x19x10

Sculpture in Context 2014 at The National Botanical Gardens will run till 17 October 2014. Admission is free and it's a great visit for all the family to enjoy. Opening times are 9-5 weekdays and 10-6 weekends and bank holidays. Free tours of the exhibition every Tuesday 10.30am - 11.30am and every Saturday 3pm - 4pm. Full programme of all  the artists and works is available at reception. More details and contact info see their website. 

Lisa Sarsfield, 'Accumulate I', Acetate Silk Glass, 10x30x25

Written by Meadhbh McIlgorm

Photos by Eva Reddy 

Glassy Future Makers of 2014

This year’s Future Makers Competition has been a great success for Glass Society of Ireland members Karen Donnellan, Emma Bourke and Mags O’ Dea. The awards ceremony took place again this year in Fallon and Byrne’s function room in Dublin on June 11th. 

Karen received the Exhibitions Assistance support award, worth €800.  She plans to use this funding to assist with her solo show Resonance which will be held from August 9th to October 15th as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival.  Her work will be displayed next to Róisín De Buitlear’s at the National Craft Gallery and both exhibits will innovatively explore the sonic qualities of glass.

 Present Moment Reminder - Karen Donnellan

Emma Bourke, who is currently a GSoI board member, was awarded a substantial Residencies and Training award.  This €1000 support award will allow her travel to Sunderland to continue training with the scientific glass-workers who own and run Wearside Glass at the National Glass Centre.  We must also mention her success earlier this year in receiving the Golden Fleece Award with which she purchased two new kilns and renovated her home studio in Mayo.

Drop of Desire - Emma Bourke

Emma receiving her award

Mags O’Dea received a Materials Support award in the student category. Mags just completed her BA in Glass Design in the National College of Art and Design and this DCCoI assistance will be very helpful in kick-starting her career.  Her winning piece was from the same body of work that was displayed in NCAD’s Graduate exhibition held last week in the Thomas Street campus.

Part of Mag's graduate exhibition 

Mags receiving her award 

The Future Makers Competition is held every year with various other awards and supports apart from the ones mentioned above.  Since the change from the Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) to the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) it is not only a great opportunity for crafts people but for designers too.  Congratulations to Karen, Emma and Mags who received the supports out of a fierce competition of around 100 entrants.  We look forward to seeing how the funds will help their already beautiful art and hope to see even more GSoI members getting shortlisted and receiving awards from Future Makers over the next few years! 

Written by Laura Quinn, 

GSoI Student Rep, Dublin

Bright Adventures: Interview with Karen Donnellan

In my new position as one of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) glass artists in residence, I have the pleasure of sitting beside one of the most interesting emerging artists in Irish Glass today: Karen Donnellan. We have been acquainted for some time, meeting at glassy events and giving the awkward nod of acknowledgement which says ‘I know who you are...ish’ on campus. While she was a familiar name to me, I was otherwise concerned with important student matters (drinking and danc- I mean intensive study) but now we’re desk-neighbours. The significance and scope of her practice to date has seriously impressed me. 

'Ensō II', Pâte De Verre,Karen Donellan, 2011

Karen is my favourite kind of hippy; one with a great work ethic. The circle often features in her works and she treats the intricate, repetitive methods of her making process as a meditation or mantra. At its core, her practice explores the potential for healing via the manipulation of universal energy. It is thoughtful, considered work, made with care and informed conceptually by her extensive study of metaphysical philosophies. She also practices what she preaches; I've seen her burning sage to clear a space of “dense energies” and she’s a qualified Reiki healer.

'Essentia' -  Karen Donellan  

Since she graduated with her MFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), New York in 2011, Karen has worked and exhibited extensively. Many readers will be familiar with her Essentia series which featured in last year’s Future Makers prize-winner’s exhibition at the NCAD Gallery and most recently at the Irish Craft Portfolio Exhibition at the RHA. 

Sometimes as an artist, you come across a web-page that is the visual equivalent of a particularly delicious ice-cream. Recently my little bit of internet delight has been J/K: Light Glass and Space: The blog began as part of an ongoing collaboration between Karen and American glass-artist John Hogan and thus far has led to their exciting Emerging Artist Residency (EAR) at Pilchuck Glass School last autumn. This blog is packed with my favourite kind of internet eye candy; sculptural light and experimental glass.

After combing though the blog for an unhealthy amount of hours I asked Karen if she would do a short interview about the experience and her future plans:

MM: The work you made at Pilchuck is visually very different to your previous work from your MFA. Was that because it was a collaboration or have you moved your work in a different direction?

KD: A lot of people have said that; that it doesn't look anything like my work, but I wear ridiculous colours all the time! I worked with colour the whole way through NCAD and the light and projection has always been an interest. In core year at NCAD I worked a lot with plastics, water and light. Then again during the masters, I spent some time experimenting with an overhead projector and seeing how different glass objects projected. I've dabbled on and off with those ideas and maybe I wasn't encouraged or didn't have the confidence to bring it any further but it’s always been an interest.

Collection of 'curios' , cut polished and laminated glass,  J/K 2013

MM: How did you decide to collaborate with John Hogan?

KD: We met at Pilchuck in 2012 when we were both Teaching Assistants. We were sharing the same studio space and assisted each other a bit in the hotshop. John works as a glass blower and designer in Seattle. He’s also done a lot of casting and cold working. (He did a residency last year in the Czech Republic with the maestro Milan Handl.) John showed me his work and I was just really into it – he was using a lot of dichroic glass and gave me some to try out. I’ve always been fascinated by dichro. You don’t see it used much in contemporary work, it’s completely underrated! I suggested a collaboration and when the Pilchuck residency came up we just said, “let’s go for it”!

Projection. J/K 2013

ME: You did loads of different things during your time at Pilchuck, is this collaboration going to continue?

KD: Yes, definitely. The work we've made so far is really experimental and even though it was a seven week residency it felt like we had only got going when we had to finish. The work developed in various directions but on the next residency we’d like to hone in on the rear projection systems.

MM: So I guess the last question is what’s next for you?

 KD: Work-wise I’m getting to grips with neon and developing some new projects around glass and sound. I’ve also just begun working on some lighting designs with Suzannah Vaughn and Perch. At the end of the month I’m heading to Cill Rialaig in Ballinskelligs for a retreat residency. The plan is to get away from glass for a while and just read, draw, paint…and maybe print.

Since I spoke to Karen for this interview there have been several exciting developments: Firstly it’s been confirmed that she will teach a pate de verre workshop this August at the Glass Furnace in Turkey. She has also been awarded an Emerging Artist Lecture at this year’s Glass Art Society Conference in Chicago.

Finally, massive news for J/K – Karen and John will continue their collaboration with a week’s residency at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio from March 14^th – 19^th. I can’t wait to see what they do next!

'Golden Rectangle' - hand made sheet glass, wood. 73x16x5, J/K, 2013

Written by Meadhbh McIlgorm,
GSoI Media and Communications Officer

(top image: Scan of dichroic glass, J/K 2013)  

The Pilchuck Expereince - Apply Apply Apply

There's a place near Seattle, half way round the world from our rainy little island, that's synonymous with glass art: Pilchuck Glass School.

Every year Pilchuck serves as melting pot (pun intended) for glass art enthusiasts worldwide. The school offers summer intensive classes from May through to September and several artist residencies throughout the rest of the year. 
A trip to Pilchuck is a truly unique experience where you learn far more than the syllabus of your chosen class; It is an unequalled opportunity to make international connections and see in one place the vast diversity and scope of the international glass art practice. Once you have an open mind and a desire to learn, you are never to old or too inexperienced to enjoy a trip to Pilchuck.

Money. We all wish we had more of it, I won't lie Pilchuck course fees are expensive and travelling from Ireland will cost the guts of a grand for flights. There are however a range of options to help with the costs including scholarships, campus internships and teaching/artist assistant positions. 

Almost one third of Pilchuck students receive some kind of financial assistance through scholarship programmes. Some are full scholarships, covering tuition, accommodation and travel to Pilchuck. Half scholarships, which are more numerous, cover half the cost of tuition and accommodation but do not cover the cost of travel. Those with studio experience in glass can also apply to work as Artist or Teaching Assistants: TAs and AA's receive accommodation, meals and covered or subsidised travel to the Pilchuck campus. 

The iconic hotshop 

All staff on campus, from the ones who clean the bathrooms to those who process the paperwork, are practising artists. Artsits can apply to work in a range of positions (kitchen staff, maintenance staff etc...) for two or more of the summer sessions. Staff get accommodation, meals, a small subsidy and some time to do some personal work between sessions. Mainly though, working as seasonal staff is a great opportunity to meet and connect with the visiting artists and students, make some great friends and have some great experiences. As it is not a paid position, Irish applicants can go on a travel visa (avoiding the great expense of an american work visa). 

Two NCAD glass students went to Pilchuck in summer 2013. I asked them for a few words on their experience: 

Gwyn Grace

'Gwyn Grace went to Pilchuck Glass School in August 2012 on a Partner half-scholarship through NCAD having just finished 3rd year. Her course was lost-wax kiln-casting ‘Shape into form’ with Joel Hurlbert and Karin Tornell - glass artists working in Stockholm, Sweden. There were 9 on the course, a mix of students and established artists and teachers. Kiln casting is a long process so time for finishing and cold-working was short as most of the pieces were only ready a few days before the end however most of us were able to take our work with us to complete once we'd returned home. All the class worked long hours, often well after midnight preparing for a kilnfiring but we had lots of fun as well. The pace of the kiln-casting class gave us lots of opportunity to see demonstrations happening in other classes and meet the rest of students.  She summed up here experience with a toast: “ Here's to fond memories, future plans and heart-felt thanks to everyone's generosity of spirit!”'

Looking at the casts with the class 

Jesse Gunther

Jesse Gunther travelled to Pilchuck on a scholarship after finishing his BA in Glass in NCAD, summer 2013. Jesse proves that you never know what a trip to Pilchuck might bring. Here's what he had to say about it:
 
'For starters it was an amazing experience! I took Tom Rowney's class; ‘Cups with Cane’ and focused on making different styles of cane, ranging from straight to very intricate twisty cane. After that we learnt how to turn these canes into straight cups and footed vessels. In the last week we started using the garage to make more complex goblets. Our entire class were all newcomers to Pilchuck, and the skill level was very even throughout the class, which made for a great experience for everyone.

Tom Rowney's cane seahorses

I got really lucky after Pilchuck; I had a while before my return flight and I got to help out Jeff Ballard in the Tacoma Museum for two days where he was Artist in Residence, that was a great experience! Then two days later I also got to work one day for Martin Blank in his studio who was just preparing for a big exhibition, amazing stuff..'

Some of Jesse's work from the class

Deadlines for scholarship/assistant/staff applications are coming up in FEBRUARY. See their website for more details and remember guys, if you do go, the GSoI wants to here all about it!! 

Written by Meadhbh McIlgorm

GSoI Media and Communications Officer

GLASS GALORE! @Sculpture in Context,2013

Sculpture in Context - a must see event on the Dublin art calendar.

Set up in 1985 by sculptors who wanted to create exhibition space outside the normal white-cube gallery, Sculpture in Context now sees the grounds, ponds and glasshouses of the Botanic Gardens transformed each September into the biggest and most prestigious outdoor exhibition in Ireland.

      Sticky Bog Sundew - Gwyn Grace                        Vessels (of Remembrance) -  Alison Lowry 

This year over 150 artists from Ireland and abroad are exhibiting their work. 

Application is open to everyone and the successful applicants are selected by a panel of judges which changes annually. Thanks to this very democratic selection process there is always a great variety of entrants ranging from students to established artists and together working in almost every medium imaginable. 

The packed opening night reception

We know that we’re ever so slightly biased here at GSoI but as in this case the figures speak for themselves - Irish glass artists really held their own in the Gardens this year. 

There were 12 notable glass pieces amongst the collection from artists;

Karen Donnellan

 Naomi Draper

 Gwyn Grace 

Jesse Gunther,

Eve Kelly

Paivikki Kolehmainen (Finland) 

Alison Lowry

 Charlene McFarland

 Meadhbh McIlgorm 

Kira Myer

Sadhbh Mowlds 

Mags O’Dea.  

Further more, 2 out of the 3 Sculpture in Context Awards for large outdoor works of distinction in any medium were awarded to NCAD glass students: Jesse Gunther for his piece 'Desert Ophidians' (on view in the cactus house) and Mags O'Dea for her installation 'Tree Dressings' (a site-specific glass installation on a particularly weathered tree). Both Mags and Jesse received €500 each - well done guys! 

'Tree Dressings' - Mags O'Dea

The delighted Mags O'Dea with her prize

Both pieces were a big hit with the guests on opening night - watch this space - one of them could well be winning the prize for the most popular sculpture at the end of the exhibition in October.  

'Desert Ophidians' - Jesse Gunther 

The exhibition runs from September 5th - October 18th. Full programme of artists available in the visitor centre. 

Garden opening hours: 
Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am - 6pm

Admission Free, Car Park €2

Karren Donnellan - Present Moment Reminder

 A visit to this exhibition is a lovely day out for all the family and a chance to see some very talented artists work outside the often intimidating setting of a gallery exhibit. 

So be sure to take a very cultured and colourful stroll through the Botanic Gardens before October 18th. 
We promise you won't be disappointed. 

Artists Michelle McDermott, Gwyn Grace, Mags O'Dea and Tara Butler-Frey
the enjoying opening night celebrations

Written by: Meadhbh McIlgorm