Exuberant expression
- Elinor trained in Denmark and England
- She mixes traditional techniques with technology
- Nature, textures and textiles are her inspiration
As Elinor Andersson is a traditionally trained glassblower, one might think that the artist would be making mainly traditional glassware, but far from it. Inspired by nature, textures and different structures of textiles, Elinor combines traditional glass making techniques and materials with contemporary computer technologies, creating objects that easily plays tricks with the mind of the observer. With education and work experiences from Bornholm, Denmark, Kosta, Sweden and RCA, London, UK, she is familiar with the international craft scene, which she entered in 2007. Elinor's method is to alter personal drawings digitally, print them on vinyl and mount them on a fine mesh fixed onto screen-printing frames. After that she sifts powdered glass colours through the mesh before putting it into a kiln. The result is a three millimetre thin sheet of glass; paperglass.
Interview
- How would you define what you do in your work?
- I strive to visualize and materialize loss. I create unusual surfaces that are far from recognizable as glass. My pieces have a texture that resembles fabric but they still hold the properties and intrinsic qualities of glass.
- What is not familiar about your work?
- I would say that the technical process is a bit unknown. Not so many realise that it is glass I am working with. Many of the visitors believe that my works are made of clay or textiles. I find that interesting and even amusing.
- What is your vision of your material and expression?
- I wish to expand the field of glass by developing new and alternative expressions. Not by pointing towards the perfect, shiny and glossy, but rather the imperfect, coarse, raw and opaque. I find it much more interesting.
- Is your craft considered in danger?
- Yes. If keep reducing traditional craftsmanship training as we are doing today, how are we supposed to see a new generation of craftspeople? We need to value handmade more and raise an awareness and esteem for craft.
Elinor Andersson is a master artisan: she began her career in 2000 and she started teaching in 2009
Where
Elinor Andersson
