Laura Smith

Glassblower

©Jesse Wild

©Simon Bruntnell

©Jesse Wild

©Darren Palmer

Where materials collide

Laura is a Bermuda-born glass artist based in London
She mixes other materials into her hand-blown glass creations
She is inspired by the elements of the natural world

Laura Smith has a truly international glass-blowing profile. A graduate of Edinburgh College of Arts, she also studied under Maestro Shunji Omura in Pilchuck, USA, and learned glassblowing from Maestro Fabio Fornasier in Murano, Italy. Her method involves combining centuries-old traditional glassmaking techniques with innovative use of metal within glass and observing how two materials unpredictably fuse. This gives her works both a timeless and dynamic appearance. Objects Laura creates include vases, lighting, accessories, and sculptures that all capture the processes of the natural world and take inspiration from the various conditions of water – the wavy ocean, the storm, the rain. She founded her first workshop in London in 2016 and has recently moved into a new studio.

Interview

©Jesse Wild

©Jesse Wild

Why did you choose glassblowing as your craft?: It felt like everything came into sharp focus when I first saw glass being blown at Dockyard Glassworks, a Bermuda studio. Since then I never looked back. I went on to work in that studio while I was studying and still credit much of my skill to the experience I gained in Bermuda.
What aspect of your work comes as a surprise to people?: I have been known to intentionally leave a fingerprint mark on a piece of copper before combining it with the hot glass to incorporate it into the final glass piece. Unnoticeable to the average eye, it allows me to, on occasion, leave a piece of myself in the object.
Has there been a memorable moment in your professional life?: The time I studied with the Japanese Maestro Shunji Omura in Pilchuck, USA. His way of teaching and his artistry were a true inspiration. His generosity of spirit extended to teaching us some valuable lessons in glass, but also in meditation, allowing the brain space to be inspired.
What do you suggest to young people who want to break into glassblowing?: Expose yourself to an environment where you can learn as much as you can with a great leader and teacher. Whether an experienced glass maker or just starting out, there is always a time when you will be assisting someone and not leading. Use this time to absorb and learn.

Laura Smith is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2007