Transforming ocean textures into glass treasures

Elena is drawn to corals, the ocean and underwater environments
Her travel experiences directly inform her glassmaking
She draws creative influence from the history of scientific art

Elena Fleury-Rojo creates organic, nature-inspired glass forms at the flame. She studied glass artistry at Buckinghamshire New University, where she explored the full spectrum of glassmaking. However, it was glassblowing that truly captured Elena – the dynamic and physical process continues to shape her delicate flamework today. "After graduating, I backpacked the world for several years, and I was always drawn to water. I snorkelled off the Australian coast and dived into Mexico’s cenotes, which developed a lasting fascination in me with the silence and textures of the underwater world," she says. In New Zealand, at the Wanganui Glass School, Elena refined her craft and discovered how travel and glassmaking could enrich one another. She shares her passion through teaching, and continues to travel for masterclasses and collaborations that keep her creativity in motion.

Elena Fleury-Rojo is a master artisan: she began her career in 2008 and she started teaching in 2008

Discover her work

Discover her work

Azure Currents

Red Coral

Orange Fan Coral

Blue series

Reef Formations

INTERVIEW

Both are delicate, both are disappearing and both matter deeply to me. Coral reefs and glass art need protection and attention – I try to give them that through my creations.

Art history, especially the scientific illustrations of coral by Darwin, Seba and Haeckel, plays a vital role in my work. Their timeless drawings remind me of the dance between science and art, which deeply influences my studio work.

Travel has been vital to my growth as an artist. I advise travelling artists to stay open-minded, visit local studios and galleries, and engage with the local art communities wherever they go. This can inspire creative work and build lasting relationships.

Operating my own flamework studio grants me great independence. During the pandemic, I came up with unique approaches. For example, I started joining glass pieces, which is now vital to my coral work. I have frequently heard from colleagues that they find my methods surprising.