London

Cristine Baena

Glass fuser | Sao Paulo, Brazil

The thoughtful art of glass fusing

Cristine fuses recycled glass to create thought-provoking sculptures
She draws influence from Gaudí and Kandinsky
She uses music and light to augment the sensory experience of her glass displays

In the skillful hands of Cristine Baena, discarded glass is transformed into sculptures using the fusion technique, which involves melting the glass at high temperatures and shaping it during a second heating. Knowing which types of glass can work together is part of this delicate craft. "For instance, hard window glass and soft Murano glass expand differently, so they should not be mixed," she explains. Cristine first incorporated upcycling into her work by repurposing disposed Perrier bottles to make an installation for the Glass Soul exhibit in 2017, Brazil, and she continued to use glass waste from that point on. Her pieces, enhanced by light and music in exhibitions, offer sensory experiences. She uses lighting to add depth through shadows and reflections, creating meditative spaces. Cristine represented Brazil at Venice Glass Week in 2021 and at the First International Biennial of Glass Art in Iberoamerica in 2022.

Interview

What is your training background?: I graduated in Visual Arts in Brazil in 2006. I learned glasswork at Romero Gurman in Mexico City for three years, and took courses in Miami and in Spain. I would say I truly matured as a glass artist at NorthLands Creative Glass in Scotland in 2015.
What experiences influenced your passion for glass art?: Glass entered my life when I was young through my Spanish grandfather, who used a blowtorch. As an adult, I visited the Waterford crystal factory and saw molten and blown glass for the first time. These moments left a lasting impact on me.
Which artists influence your work today?: Gaudí's use of organic materials and abstractions in Parc Güell inspired my glasswork a lot. I am also influenced by Kandinsky's layered forms and Calder's colourful mobiles for their aesthetics.
Are there common misconceptions about glass art in your view?: Many people hold limited views about glass. It is a complex and beautiful medium, less explored in Brazil compared to Italy, the UK, or the USA. I see it as my mission to enhance awareness of glass craftsmanship in Brazil.

Cristine Baena is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2008 and she started teaching in 2023