Dorsal

Clay and found objects were comined to create an assemblage of textures and shapes from which a silicone mould was taken, and then used to produce a wax positive. A refractory mould was taken from this, and then the wax was melted out. Glass pieces were placed inside, fired, cooled, and finished via grinding and polishing. The result fuses texture and imagery into one fluid glass form.

Clear kiln-cast glass on a wooden base.

Dimensions: 14 x 20 x 7 cm.

About the artist:
James' work is an exploration of geometry, assembly, and the intersection of industrial processes with craft. As a designer and educator, he is driven by the logic of how things fit together. He uses the precision of a laser-cut edge and the tactile history of a found object as the starting point for his glass-making process. The foundation of his practice lies in the construction of complex moulds. By piecing together various shapes he creates architectural landscapes into which he casts vibrant, coloured or clear glass in the kiln. This process is one of transformation: rigid, disparate forms are unified into a single, cohesive glass body. He hand-polishes each piece to bring out the depth of the glass and then integrates additional elements like wire to add linear complexity. He strives to create pieces that feel both engineered and organic, celebrating the joy of "making" through the playful combination of shape, colour, and salvaged history.