Ilze Dūdiņa

Glass sculptor

©Marta Dudina-Ozolina

©Imants Ķīkulis

©Marta Dudina-Ozolina

Entranced by glass

Ilze makes stained glass works
She is one of the founders of the Glass Art and Studies Centre
She teaches at the Art Academy of Latvia

Since graduating from the Art Academy of Latvia in 1993, Ilze Dūdiņa has become increasingly entranced by glass and its paradoxical nature. Strong and fragile at the same time, glass can even be dangerous, but in Ilze's hands it becomes safe and beautiful. She uses many different techniques to tame glass and design ethereal, delicate and polished objects. In doing so, it isn't only the creative side of her brain that is put to work; her knowledge of chemistry and physics is an integral part of the process. Ilze is passionate about teaching, passing on her knowledge to students of the Art Academy and teaching anyone who is interested in the craft at the Glass Art and Studies Centre.

Interview

©Marta Dudina-Ozolina

©Marta Dudina-Ozolina

Why did you choose to pursue glass art?: My sister encouraged me to go and study in the department of glass design at Riga Secondary School of Arts and Crafts (now Riga School of Design and Art). I was captivated by the allure of the material.
How is glassmaking linked to where you live and work?: Glass art traditions are in the Latvian cultural space. The Glass Art and Studies Centre is located in the Old Town of Riga, at the Mentzendorff House. This house was built in the 17th century as a residential building and a glass workshop. Its first owner was the master of stained glass, Jürgen Helm.
What are your specialisations?: I specialise in the development of glass design. I combine old traditions and modern technologies when creating my designs. I master many different techniques, such as glass fusing, glass casting, the lost wax casting technique, as well as classical stained glass and painted glass.
Has any particular moment in your career stood out?: Fifteen years ago, I was at my daughter’s wedding ceremony and suddenly I noticed that the glass dish I had created some time ago was part of the ceremony; the wedding rings were placed on it.

Ilze Dūdiņa is a master artisan: she began her career in 2011 and she started teaching in 2000