A Flame with Desire
Lampwork borosilicate glass by Emma Mackintosh
Exploring the boundaries and tensions between science and art, I mainly work off-mandrel producing sculptural, occasionally quirky pieces in borosilicate glass for jewellery and practical use.
Living in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, I come from a family whose art and inspirations have always been taken from nature. I am always drawn to natural and organic forms and textures but am also interested in the way we interact with our surroundings and with objects both animate and inanimate. Our modern world and way of living can leave us isolated and removed from the natural world we should be part of. Connection with artisan objects is one way to maintain this link.
Having originally trained as a metallurgist, I left university swearing never to touch the subject again. After a life spent following other strands including textiles and silver work, I find myself, with borosilicate glass, using that subject to understand the science behind the colours and the way the glass works – and enjoying it. The patterns and colours I see in the glass are reminiscent of those I saw under the electron microscope, linking science and natural materials.
"Glass is more gentle, graceful, and noble than any metal and its use is more delightful, polite, and sightly than any other material at this day known to the world
Antonio Neri, L’Arte Vetraria (The Art of Glass), 1612
Living in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, I come from a family whose art and inspirations have always been taken from nature. I am always drawn to natural and organic forms and textures but am also interested in the way we interact with our surroundings and with objects both animate and inanimate. Our modern world and way of living can leave us isolated and removed from the natural world we should be part of. Connection with artisan objects is one way to maintain this link.
Having originally trained as a metallurgist, I left university swearing never to touch the subject again. After a life spent following other strands including textiles and silver work, I find myself, with borosilicate glass, using that subject to understand the science behind the colours and the way the glass works – and enjoying it. The patterns and colours I see in the glass are reminiscent of those I saw under the electron microscope, linking science and natural materials.
"Glass is more gentle, graceful, and noble than any metal and its use is more delightful, polite, and sightly than any other material at this day known to the world
Antonio Neri, L’Arte Vetraria (The Art of Glass), 1612
