Blurring boundaries in glassmaking
- Debbie makes artworks using painting, decals and photographic transfers
- She studied painting before moving into glass
- She is the only person teaching stained glass at university level in Ireland
Debbie Dawson brings fresh eyes to stained glass, creating pieces that are free from the constraints of lead work, embracing 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, Debbie's work crosses the boundary between craft and fine art. "The boundaries between these realms are getting thinner and blurrier these days," she says. Her work is in the collection of the National Museum, Ireland, and she has exhibited in China, Italy, Denmark and the USA.
INTERVIEW
During my training as a painter I had opportunities to try another medium. A friend was interested in 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.
You cannot 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 potential for creative expression.
I work with commercial clear glass to create monochromatic images, combining painting with silver stain and sandblasting. I have to think about the entire process before I begin, from creating the piece to the frame, and any lighting may be required. More recently I introduced decals and photographic transfers to my process, too.
My own photography of landscapes as well as found images have been a great source of inspiration. 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.
