Debbie Dawson

Stained glass maker

©Debbie Dawson

©Roland Paschhoff

©Debbie Dawson

Blurring boundaries in glassmaking

Debbie has exhibited widely in Ireland and around the world
She studied painting before moving into glass
She is the only person teaching stained glass at degree level in Ireland

Debbie Dawson brings fresh eyes to stained glass, creating pieces that are free from the constraints of lead work and embrace spontaneity and intuition. Her work has a modern feel but is rooted in the deeper history of Irish storytelling. She often works in triptych or diptych, like pages of a story that can only be told through visual imagination. With an aesthetic, conceptual appeal, but also demonstrating high standards of craftsmanship, her work crosses the boundary between craft and fine art. Debbie is very happy to occupy this space, saying "the boundaries are getting thinner and blurrier these days". Her work is in the collection of the National Museum, Ireland, and she has exhibited in China, Italy, Denmark and the US.

Where

Interview

©Debbie Dawson

©Debbie Dawson

How were you introduced to glass?: During my training as a painter you could try another medium. A friend wanted to do stained glass and I went too, with no special interest in the material. Our tutor was Irish glass artist Maud Cotter, and she opened up a world of light and depth that was very exciting to me.
Are you influenced by the history of Irish glass?: You can’t help but be inspired by such amazing craftspeople as Evie Hone and Harry Clarke. Their work made me believe anything is possible in stained glass. People think it is a restrictive medium, but there is huge freedom for creative expression.
Can you explain your techniques?: Currently I am working with float glass – commercial clear glass – creating monochromatic images combining painting silver stain and sandblasting. I have to think it all right through, from creating the piece to the frame and any lighting that goes into it.
What inspires you?: Recently I have been drawn to photography, my own landscape images combined with found images. I work directly on the glass, being very intuitive with my mark making. If I plan too much, the work becomes contrived and loses something in the translation.

Debbie Dawson is a master artisan: she began her career in 1990 and she started teaching in 1991