Bibi Smit

Glassblower

©Annemarie Sabelis

©Tom Haartsen

Reflections of nature

Bibi learned her craft from three master glassblowers
Dutch skies and movement in nature are her muse
She studied at art school in the United Kingdom

Whilst at art college in Farnham, England, Bibi Smit observed some students from the glass department holding glass blowing pipes, the hot molten glass glowing and dancing. She was mesmerised, a moment of revelation, that glass could be used as a medium for art. Three master glassblowers helped her to hone her glassmaking skills: David Kaplan in Scotland, Willem Heesen in the Netherlands and Boyd Sugiki in the US. Using free-blowing techniques often combined with cold glass techniques, her inspiration comes from observing natural phenomena such as murmurations (swarms of sparrows) and the ever-changing shapes of clouds. Her glass art encompasses elaborate installations of swarms of birds in flight, intertwining cloud shaped vessels and sculptures.

Interview

©Annemarie Sabelis

©Annemarie Sabelis

When and how did you start being a maker?: I started out in Scotland, working as a glass assistant, producing my own work in the holidays. I set up my workshop in 1991 using rental glassblowing studios and equipment at art colleges. By 2006, I was back in Holland again and was able to set up my own furnace and produce work in my own workshop.
Why did you choose glass as your medium?: Because of its seemingly endless possibilities. To shape it with your own breath, to stretch and pull it, the heat. Glassblowing is so physical; I really love it. Can you imagine being able to create a shape from liquid? And by contrast, to carve and cut it when it has cooled down.
When is a memorable moment from your career?: Most recently, I completed a commission for a seven-meter-long site-specific installation in a private customer’s house. I created a large swarm consisting of 600 glass birds, suspended from the ceiling. I wanted to bring the sparrows back into the old farmhouse.
What do you love most about glassmaking?: Being my own boss. Creating things with my own hands, making work that inspires others. To truly enjoy what I do, every day. To get up in the morning and think: oh, I can blow glass again today. Being able to exercise my freedom and expression through my work.

Bibi Smit is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1988