Juli Bolaños-Durman

Telling stories with glass

• Juli loves to give discarded waste a second life
• The vibrant colours of the tropics influence her creations
• Her studio is based in a centre for design and collaboration

With a background in graphic design, Costa Rican artisan Juli Bolaños-Durman pursues her passion for glass in Scotland, where she acquired a master’s degree at Edinburgh College of Art. Juli approaches the medium of glass with a fresh and versatile vision, repurposing found objects and transforming them into precious artefacts that tell a story. “Everyone loves glassblowing,” she says, “but when it comes to glass cutting and engraving it’s a much slower, more meticulous and not as cinematographic craft. So fewer people are inclined to specialise in this technique, also considering the expense of having to own a cutting lathe and have access to a studio that has the proper wheels. I consider myself very lucky.”

Interview

©Vivian Sarky

©Jaro Milos

How did you come across glass cutting?

When I came to Edinburgh to do my master's, I discovered I loved coldworking and truly enjoyed engraving. It goes with my personality; I like to take my time, get to fix things when they break. I enjoy cutting glass into little pieces which I rearrange to create whole new compositions.

Do you always use recycled glass?

Yes, I reuse it, and by cutting the pieces they become like little gemstones. I believe that the hand of the maker has to be evident; it’s about how you transform and elevate glass into something that tells a different story.

How do you join the pieces of glass?

I use a mixture of high quality glues. You could not join them with heat, because they would lose their shape, and the coefficient of expansion changes depending on the type of glass. The finish is extremely important to me, because the final result has to be perfect.

What event in your career are you particularly proud of?

My graduation project was one of my biggest achievements because I realised that the work had power, and it gave me the confidence to pursue my vision. The Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts in Lausanne bought five of the 60 pieces that make up the collection.

Juli Bolaños-Durman is an expert artisan she began her career in 2013

Works

©Shannon Tofts

©Shannon Tofts

©Shannon Tofts

©Shannon Tofts

©All rights reserved

Where

Experiences

Glass cutting showcase in Edinburgh

30 Mins

150 GBP

Visit a glass sculptor studio in Edinburgh

1 Hour

220 GBP