A finely etched line between fragility and strength
- Angela's pieces are inspired by her selection of unique, raw glass forms
- She is known for her signature décor of expressive lines and lush flowers
- She attunes every step to glass' subtle reactions
Angela Dödtman fell in love with glass engraving from the very first cut. She first encountered the craft at the Glasfachschule Rheinbach, guided by her passion for drawing. "I realised that glass allows me to bring everything I knew from drawing to life," Angela says. Alongside glassblower Irene Borgardt, she runs Glaskunst in the historic art courtyard of the famous Böttcherstraße street, one of Bremen’s most visited landmarks. The space is a studio, shop and gallery at once, which allows visitors to watch the glassmaking process and explore the artworks. She works in an intimate dialogue with the material, listening to its hum under the wheel and feeling its vibrations, while carefully controlling its temperature and challenging it to reveal its potential without overstepping its limits. “Glass can crack in an instant, but it will happily welcome a deep incision if treated correctly,” Angela says.
Interview
- How do you collaborate with your colleague Irene Borgardt?
- Our collaboration centres around our shop Glaskunst in Bremen’s old town. Thanks to the steady stream of visitors, we take turns working at the bench and welcoming customers. This rhythm allows us both to stay flexible and productive. But once a year, we lovingly honour our little tradition of creating a small project together that beautifully reflects both of our artistic styles.
- Are your clients mainly tourists?
- Tourists certainly come through our doors, but the majority are long-time clients. Many have been gradually expanding their tableware collections over several years. Their daily delight in my glasses, carafes and bowls, which they so generously share with me, is truly one of the most beautiful aspects of my work.
- What is your connection to Bremen’s craft community?
- I have been a member of AKB, the Association for Applied Arts in Bremen, since I started my business, which has opened up excellent exhibition opportunities and connected me with a strong network of artists. Over time, colleagues like Bernd Lichtenstein have become real friends, far beyond our creative exchanges.
- How do you develop your one-of-a-kind pieces?
- My unique pieces often come to life while I am preparing for exhibitions. I love tackling open themes, such as Getting to the Point or The Red Thread, which really get my creativity flowing. I most often start by picking a glass blank I feel drawn to, and then I freely develop my ideas on it.
Angela Dödtman is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2008
Where
Angela Dödtman
